Fast magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques are assuming importance in imaging of the abdomen in part due to their ability to produce images during breath-holding, which ensures high spatial resolution and no respiratory motion artifacts. One problem with rapid scanning of the liver, shared with other MR techniques, is confusion between portal and hepatic veins due to similarity in signal intensity. The fast low angle shot (FLASH) technique (flip angle 40 degrees, repetition time 28 ms, and echo time 16 ms) produces high signal in both venous systems. To remedy the problem we incorporated presaturation pulses applied across the portal and mesenteric veins to the FLASH technique; this induced a decrease in signal in the portal venous system and facilitated their differentiation from hepatic veins. Moreover, in one patient an intraportal tumor thrombus not detected on the standard FLASH technique was rendered visible by presaturation. Although the presaturation pulses in the present series were confined to the sagittal plane, the technique should be applicable in any plane as dictated by the anatomy and direction of blood flow. We anticipate wide use of combined presaturation and rapid scanning techniques.

Hepatic Veins↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Calcific tendinitis of the gluteus maximus tendon with cortical bone erosion: CT findings.

A case of calcific tendinitis of the gluteus maximus tendon with cortical erosion is presented. Roentgenography demonstrated calcification on the posterior surface of the proximal femur. Computed tomography showed flame-like appearance of calcific tendinitis and bone erosion. Magnetic resonance imaging showed minimal inflammatory reaction around the lesion.

Bone Resorption↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament: MR evaluation.

PURPOSE: To investigate the MR appearance of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) of the cervical spine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of MR images and conventional tomograms in 147 patients. RESULTS: In the sagittal plane, proton-density images identified the ossified lesions more clearly than did T1- and T2-weighted images. All axial sequences identified the lesions much frequently. T1-weighted images often showed areas of increased intensity within the lesions of the continuous and mixed type, especially within the thick lesions. Fat images by Dixon technique demonstrated same areas of increased intensity, which strongly suggested fatty marrow formation. On conventional tomograms, configurations of radiolucent areas within the lesions corresponded to areas of increased intensity on T1-weighted images. CONCLUSION: Proton-density sagittal and axial images are important in establishing the diagnosis of OPLL. The areas of increased intensity on T1-weighted images and radiolucent areas suggest marrow formation.

Adult↗