Differentiation of hepatic tumors by use of image contrast with T2-weighted MRI

Differentiation of hepatic tumors is often evaluated in terms of qualitative diagnostic performance. The signal intensity patterns of hepatic masses are known to differ on certain T2-weighted imaging sequences. In this study, we investigated the quantitative analysis of hepatic masses by using an index called the “T2-shine ratio.” Fast-spin-echo (FSE), half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin echo (HASTE), and true-FISP sequences obtained with quick-imaging techniques during a single breath-hold were examined in 74 patients. T2-shine ratios were calculated by use of the signals of regions of interest (ROIs) placed on a tumor and peripheral tissue: the T2-shine ratio is defined as (tumor signal-liver signal)/liver signal. The rate of change in the T2-shine ratio was compared among three sequences of FSE, HASTE, and true-FISP. The T2-shine ratio of FSE deducted from HASTE was significantly higher for hepatic cysts than for other masses. The T2-shine ratio of HASTE deducted from True-FISP was less than zero for hemangioma. For the value that deducted the T2-shine ratio of HASTE from the T2-shine ratio of true-FISP, hemangiomas had a significantly lower value than did cysts and metastases ( P