Ultra-low field MR imaging of hepatic hemangiomas (at 0.02 and 0.04 T)

Twelve patients with cavernous hemangiomas of the liver were studied with computed tomography (CT) and ultra-low field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Seven patients were examined at a field strength of 0.02 T and 5 patients at 0.04 T, while 3 patients were studied at both field strengths. On T2-weighted images all hemangiomas had the same characteristic appearance of a homogeneous high signal intensity that has been described at higher field strengths. Signal characteristics of the hemangiomas were the same at 0.02 and 0.04 T, but the higher field strength provided better signal-to-noise (SN) ratio and hence improved image quality. Homogeneous contrast enhancement was seen in three hemangiomas examined after intravenous administration of gadopentetate dimeglumine. Our results indicate that ultra-low field MRI can be useful in the differential diagnosis of hepatic hemangiomas.