Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to review the basic principles and clinical applications of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of soft tissue tumors. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI is a method of physiological imaging, based on fast or ultrafast imaging, with the possibility of following the early enhancement kinetics of a water-soluble contrast agent after intravenous bolus injection. This technique provides clinically useful information, by depicting tissue vascularization and perfusion, capillary permeability, and composition of the interstitial space [13]. The most important advantages of this technique are its abilities to monitor response to preoperative chemotherapy, to identify areas of viable tumor before biopsy, and to provide physiological information for improved tissue characterization and detection of residual or recurrent tumor tissue after therapy. © 2006 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.