Imaging with Magnetization Transfer Technique on the Intracranial Tumors

Purpose : To measure the magnetization transfer ratio(MTR) of intracranial tumors and to evaluate thedifference of the character and the border of tumors on magnetization transfer image. Materials and Methods : Weprospectively reviewed magnetization transfer imaging(MTI) findings of intracranial tumors of 13 patients. 1.0TMRI machine was used. T1 weighted image(TR/TE=700/14) and T1 weighted magnetization transfer image were obtained.The offset and bandwidth of magnetization transfer pulse were 100Hz and 250 Hz, respectively. Postcontrast imageswere also obtained. MRT was measured at lesion area. Results : The mean of normal MTR of white matter and graymatter in 7 normal volunteers were 37% and 29%, respectively. The MTR of each tumor was as follows; metastatictumors(mean 16.3%), meningioma(mean 27.3%), oligodendroglioma(mean 20.2%), glomus jugulare tumor(mean 17.3%),gliomatiosis cerebri(mean 27.0%). The contrast of lesions were better at magnetization transfer image than at T1weighted image. Conclusion : The MTR of the intracranial tumors is lower than normal tissue. Measurement of MTR atmultple areas within the tumor can be useful for evaluation of indistinct border of the tumor.ope