乳腺叶状肿瘤的MRI表现及临床病理学分析

目的:分析乳腺叶状肿瘤(phyllodes tumors,PTs)的MRI表现,以提高MRI的诊断价值。方法:回顾性分析8例PTs患者的临床及影像资料,包括肿瘤在T1WI、STIR序列上的信号强度,肿瘤大小、形状、边缘、内部强化方式、早期强化率、时间-信号强度曲线(time-signal intensity curve,TIC)类型及ADC值;比较PTs与正常腺体ADC值的差异。结果:8例乳腺PTs中,3例良性,4例交界性,1例恶性。MRI平扫T1WI呈等及较低信号,STIR呈高信号,3例肿瘤内见低信号未强化分隔,6例见裂隙状高信号;最大径线2.4~7.5cm;2例呈圆形、类圆形,6例呈分叶状;8例边缘均较清晰;增强扫描病灶均呈不均匀强化;7例PTs早期强化率大于100%,1例50%且100%;TIC类型1例为流入型,5例为平台型,2例为廓清型。DWI病灶均呈高信号,且ADC值低于正常腺体,PTs平均ADC值为(1.30±0.25)×10-3 mm2/s,正常腺体ADC值为(1.64±0.12)×10-3 mm2/s,二者差异有统计学意义(t=3.375,P0.05)。结论:乳腺PTs的MRI征象具有一定的特征性,结合其临床特点综合分析,可提高其术前诊断准确率。     

鞍旁海绵状血管瘤的CT和MRI诊断

目的总结7例鞍旁海绵状血管瘤CT、MRI和磁共振波谱（MRS）表现，探讨其诊断和鉴别诊断。资料与方法7例均经手术病理证实，均行CT和MR平扫，2例行CT增强扫描，7例行MR增强扫描，5例行MR扩散加权成像（DWI），6例行^1H MRS检查。结果鞍旁海绵状血管瘤体积大，并同时伸入到鞍内。CT平扫病变呈等或稍高密度，密度均匀，MR T1WI呈等或稍低于脑灰质信号，T2WI呈类似脑脊液高信号。增强扫描病变呈非常显著强化。DWI呈等或稍低信号，但表观扩散系数（ADC）值明显高于正常脑实质。。HMRS表现为NAA峰、Cr峰和Cho峰消失。可出现Lip峰。结论CT检查时鞍旁海绵状血管瘤与脑膜瘤和垂体瘤鉴别困难,MRI表现很有特点，T2WI呈极高信号，增强扫描非常显著强化，ADC值明显升高而DWI接近等信号，MRS检查无NAA峰、Cr峰和Cho峰，MRI可以对海绵窦海绵状血管瘤作出定性诊断。     

乳腺黏液腺癌MRI表现特征及其与病理对照研究

目的 探讨乳腺黏液腺癌MR平扫、动态增强(DCE)及DWI表现特征及其与病理表现的相关性.方法 MR枪查采用1.5 T MR扫描仪及乳腺专用线圈,包括MR平扫、3D DCE-MRI以及b值分别为500和1000 s/mm2的DWI.对8例行乳腺MR检查并经手术病理证实的乳腺黏液腺癌,依据乳腺影像报告和数据系统(BI-RADS)MRI标准,回顾性分析病变形态学、T1WI及T2WI信号强度、肿块内部强化特征及动态增强曲线类型、DWI上ADC值表现,并与病理对照,乳腺黏液腺癌病理诊断依据2003年WHO乳腺肿瘤病理学标准.结果 8例乳腺黏液腺癌(5例单纯黏液腺癌,3例混合型黏液腺癌)的黏液含昔为60%～90%.8例在MRI上均表现为肿块,平扫T1WI呈低信号,T2WI呈高和明显高信号.动态增强后,1例表现为不均匀轻微强化,2例表现为内部欠均匀的渐进性强化,其余5例于动态增强早期时相均表现为边缘明显强化,肿块内部结构呈渐进性强化,强化方式呈由边缘强化向中心渗透趋势.于DWI上病变均表现为明显高信号,平均ADC值在b值500 s/mm2时为(2.41±0.28)×10-3mm2/s,b值1000 s/mm2时为(2.06±0.14)×10-3mm2/s,分别高于正常乳腺组织的(1.71±0.32)×10-3和(1.43±0.24)×10-3mm2/s.结论 乳腺黏液腺癌在MR平扫T2WI、DEC及DWI表现均不同于常见的浸润性导管癌,这些特征性表现反映了其特殊的病理类型,MR多种成像序列相结合可对乳腺黏液腺癌在术前作出正确诊断.     

乳腺腺病瘤MRI表现特征分析

目的分析乳腺腺病瘤MRI平扫、动态增强(DCE)和扩散加权成像(DWI)表现特征,提高对腺病瘤的认识和术前诊断准确率。方法搜集2008年10月至2013年11月期间行乳腺MRI检查并经手术病理证实的8例患者9个乳腺腺病瘤,依据美国放射学会提出的乳腺影像报告和数据系统磁共振成像(BI-RADS-MRI)标准,回顾性分析病变MRI表现,包括形态学、平扫T1WI及T2WI信号、DCE表现及时间-信号强度曲线(TIC)类型、DWI信号及ADC值。结果 9个腺病瘤中8个表现为肿块,1个表现为非肿块。8个肿块型腺病瘤中,6个呈圆形或卵圆形,所有病变均边界清楚,6个边缘不规则;于平扫T1WI均呈等信号,脂肪抑制T2WI呈等或稍高信号;DCE-MRI扫描均于早期时相明显强化,早期强化率平均值为(173.2±52.8)%,4个腺病瘤内部呈不均匀强化;7个TIC呈流出型;于DWI上呈高或稍高信号,b值为500 s/mm2时,平均ADC值为(1.4±0.3)×10-3mm2/s,b值为1000 s/mm2时,平均ADC值为(1.2±0.3)×10-3mm2/s。1例非肿块型腺病瘤呈区域性分布,呈不均匀强化,TIC呈Ⅰ型。结论腺病瘤DEC-MRI扫描TIC类型和DWI上ADC值表现与乳腺癌相似,但其形态上多呈良性病变特点,MRI检查有助于乳腺腺病瘤的诊断,但确诊仍需依靠组织病理学。     

肺结核瘤的磁共振诊断价值研究

目的探讨肺结核瘤的磁共振诊断价值。方法对病理证实的10例肺结核瘤行磁共振成像(MRI)平扫、磁共振扩散加权成像(DWI)和动态增强扫描的影像特点进行分析,并测量分析病变的表观弥散系数值(ADC)值。结果肺部结核瘤全部病例T1WI显示低信号,T2WI显示8例为周边高信号,中央区低信号;2例为高信号。DWI图像显示均为高信号或稍高信号,平均ADC值为(1.60±0.18)s/mm2。动态增强扫描动脉期全部病例边缘环状强化,中央区无强化或轻度强化。时间-强度曲线6例表现为缓慢爬升型,4例表现为缓慢下降型。结论磁共振平扫、DWI及ADC值结合磁共振动态增强扫描在肺部结核瘤诊断中具有重要价值,具有一定的特征性。     

原发性乳腺非霍奇金淋巴瘤影像特点分析

目的:探讨原发性乳腺非霍奇金淋巴瘤(PNHLB)的影像学特征.方法:回顾性分析6例经手术病理证实的PNHLB患者的影像表现.6例中,4例行X线检查,4例行CT检查(2例平扫十增强,2例平扫),5例行MRI检查.结果:6例均为单侧发病,1例同侧有2个病灶,中位瘤径5.8 cm.乳腺X线摄片表现为分叶状肿块1例,不规则肿块1例,大片密度增高影2例.4例CT平扫示病灶均呈软组织密度,1例巨大肿块的表面皮肤增厚,1例乳腺弥漫增大密度增高,2例肿瘤增强后呈轻中度强化.5例MRI平扫示病灶信号均匀,压脂T2 WI上呈稍高信号,DWI上呈高信号;增强后3例呈均匀团块状强化、1例呈外周结节样强化、1例呈不均匀环形强化,时间-信号曲线表现为速升缓降型3例,平台型2例.结论:PNHLB的影像表现多样但有一定特征,钼靶X线片和CT对本病有一定诊断价值,MRI结合DWI和动态增强扫描能准确显示病灶的大小和范围,对本病的诊断和鉴别诊断价值较大.     

乳腺黏液腺癌钼靶X线与磁共振成像特点及诊断价值

目的探讨磁共振成像(MRI)及钼靶X线摄影检查对乳腺黏液腺癌的诊断价值。方法收集本院经手术病理证实的乳腺黏液腺癌12例,回顾性分析MRI成像、X线钼靶摄影及影像表现特点。结果单纯性8例,混合性4例。MRI表现:所有病例均表现为肿块,平扫T1WI为低信号或等低信号,T2WI为高信号或极高信号;动态增强扫描病灶呈渐进性明显强化,2例呈轻度强化;磁共振弥散加权成像(DWI)病灶呈高信号,表观扩散系数(ADC)值增高。X线表现:肿块9例,不规则团片状2例,结构扭曲变形1例,内有钙化1例。病灶均表现为高密度,边缘清7例,边缘不清5例,其中边缘毛刺3例。MRI准确率71%,X线准确率67%,MRI和X线敏感性均100%。结论乳腺黏液腺癌由于含有黏液成分,MRI和X线影像表现上有一定特征,对本病诊断有一定价值,MRI准确性高于X线,二者应相互结合。     

乳腺恶性肿瘤磁共振征象分析

目的 探讨乳腺恶性肿瘤的MRI平扫及动态增强扫描白影像特点。材料与方法 27例乳腺恶性肿瘤行MRI平扫,其中12例行动态增强扫描,结合手术病理结果,分析乳腺恶性肿瘤的形态、信号、强化特点以及与病理类型的关系。结果 27例患者中平扫15例具有不规则形态、T2WI不均匀高信号、周边有毛刺等典型恶性征象,余12例需行动态增强扫描者,7例呈“快进快出”方式强化。浸润性小叶癌T2WI信号较低,强化不明显,呈不典型表现;粘液腺癌及叶状囊肉瘤肿块较大,周边毛刺不明显,强化呈“快进慢出”方式,表现亦不典型。结论 MRI平扫结合动态增强扫描是诊断乳腺恶性肿瘤的有效方法。     

可逆性胼胝体压部病变综合征的磁共振成像诊断及预后评估

目的探讨可逆性胼胝体压部病变综合征的磁共振成像(MRI),分析其预后。方法回顾性分析2014年1月至2017年12月经我院诊断的50例可逆性胼胝体压部病变综合征的MRI影像学资料,分析患者的影像学特征。结果MRI诊断表现胼胝体压部孤立性,圆形或弧形,少数为斑片状,边界清晰。4例T1WI信号改变不明显,其余患者T1WI呈等或稍低信号,T2WI呈稍高信号,FLAIR为稍高信号,信号均匀,病变周围水肿和占位效应不明显,44例T1WI增强扫描病灶无明显强化特征;DWI呈明显高信号且表现扩散系数(ADC)呈低信号;5例行磁敏感加权成像(SWI)检查,4例行MRS检查,5例行MRA检查,结果未见异常特征;3例行扩散张量成像(DTI)检查显示各向异性分数(FA)值减低。45例复查MRI表现为胼胝体压部病变完全消失,无神经系统受累症状,预后效果好;3例DWI信号欠均匀,中央区见稍低信号,预后较差;1例随访发现患有严重神经系统后遗症,四肢无自主运动,长期卧床,预后不良。结论MRI能为RESLES临床诊断提供重要依据,结合其临床症状,为临床诊治提供重要参考依据,一般预后良好。     

韧带样型纤维瘤的影像学特征

目的 探讨韧带样型纤维瘤(desmoid-type fibromatoses,DF)的影像学特征.方法 回顾性分析经手术及病理证实的20例DF患者的影像和临床资料,其中原发性DF 13例,复发性7例.探讨其CT和MRI影像学特征.结果 20例DF均单发,其中12例(60.0％)边界不清,9例(45.0％)包绕血管神经,8例(40.0％)有骨膜粘连.10例行CT检查,平扫呈稍低密度,密度均匀,瘤内未见钙化及坏死区.增强扫描6例表现为中度强化,延迟扫描5例呈渐进性强化.15例行MRI检查,T1WI呈等或稍低信号,T2WI呈高于肌肉低于脂肪信号,增强扫描11例呈中等或明显不均匀强化,并随着各期相渐进性强化.其中9例(81.8％)可见条索状或小斑片状T1WI及T2WI低信号,增强后未见强化.扩散加权成像(DWI)扫描2例呈高信号,表观扩散系数(ADC)图上呈等或稍高于肌肉信号.结论 DF的CT、MRI表现具有一定特征,MR增强、动态增强及DWI扫描对DF的诊断及预后监测具有重要价值.     

Differentiation of phyllodes breast tumors from fibroadenomas on MRI

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the MRI appearance of phyllodes breast tumors and to differentiate them from fibroadenomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR images were obtained on a 1.5-T imager. T1- and T2-weighted sequences and dynamic 2D fast-field echo T1-weighted sequences were performed. MR images of 23 patients with 24 phyllodes breast tumors (one malignant, 23 benign) were analyzed with respect to morphology and contrast enhancement. The tumors were compared with the MRI appearance of 81 fibroadenomas of 75 patients. RESULTS: Well-defined margins were seen in 87.5% of the phyllodes tumors and 70.4% of the fibroadenomas, and a round or lobulated shape in 100% and 90.1%, respectively. A heterogeneous internal structure was observed in 70.8% of phyllodes tumors and in 49.4% of fibroadenomas. Nonenhancing internal septations were found in 45.8% of phyllodes tumors and 27.2% of fibroadenomas. A significantly greater increase in signal was seen on T2-weighted images in the tissue surrounding phyllodes tumors (21%) compared with fibroadenomas (1.2%). Most of both lesions appeared with low signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted images. After the administration of contrast material, 33.3% of phyllodes tumors and 22.2% of fibroadenomas showed a suspicious signal intensity-time course. CONCLUSION: Phyllodes breast tumors and other fibroadenomas cannot be precisely differentiated on breast MRI. Phyllodes tumors have benign morphologic features and contrast enhancement characteristics suggestive of malignancy in 33% of cases.     

Phyllodes tumor of the breast: correlation between MR findings and histologic grade

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of phyllodes tumor of the breast and to compare these findings with the histologic grade. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review board approval and informed consent were obtained. The authors reviewed the MR findings in 30 female patients aged 16-73 years (mean, 40.2 years) with surgically confirmed phyllodes tumors. Analyzed MR findings included tumor shape, margin, internal enhancement, and size; signal intensity (SI) of tumor higher than that of normal breast tissue on T1-weighted images; SI of tumor lower than or equal to that of normal tissue on T2-weighted images; cyst wall appearance; kinetic curve assessment; and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). The MR findings and histologic grade were statistically analyzed to determine whether any correlations existed. Significant MR findings were compared with histopathologic findings. RESULTS: Nineteen benign, six intermediate (characterized by five to nine cell reproductions at 10 high-power fields, pushing or infiltrative margins, moderate stromal cellularity, and atypia and overgrowth), and five malignant phyllodes tumors were assessed. Irregular cyst wall (P = .003), tumor SI lower than or equal to normal tissue SI on T2-weighted images (P = .005), and low ADC (P = .001) correlated significantly with histologic grade. Tumor SI higher than normal tissue SI on T1-weighted images was more frequent in the malignant (in three of five tumors) and intermediate (in three of six tumors) groups than in the benign group (in two of 19 tumors); however, it was not a significant finding (P = .024). Tumor SI higher than normal tissue SI on T1-weighted images and irregular cyst wall corresponded histopathologically to hemorrhagic infarction and necrosis, respectively. Tumor SI lower than or equal to normal tissue SI on T2-weighted images and low ADC corresponded histopathologically to stromal hypercellularity. Other findings were not significant. CONCLUSION: Several MR findings can be used to help determine the histologic grade of phyllodes breast tumors.     

Telangiectatic focal nodular hyperplasia: US,CT, and MR imaging findings with histopathologic correlation in 13 cases

PURPOSE: To review the ultrasonographic (US), computed tomographic (CT), and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings in 13 patients with telangiectatic focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and to compare imaging features with histopathologic results from resected specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: US, helical multiphasic CT, and MR images in 13 patients with pathologically proven telangiectatic FNH were reviewed retrospectively. Two abdominal radiologists evaluated lesions for number, size, heterogeneity, surface characteristics, presence of a central scar, presence of a pseudocapsule, US appearance, attenuation at CT, signal intensity at MR imaging, and presence of associated lesions. Imaging and pathologic findings were compared. RESULTS: Sixty-one lesions (5-140 mm in diameter) were seen at imaging. Lesions were multiple in eight of 13 (62%) patients. Imaging characteristics were heterogeneity in 26 of 61 lesions (43%), well-defined margins in 43 of 61 (70%), lack of a central scar in 56 of 61 (92%), presence of a pseudocapsule in three of 61 (5%), hyperintensity on T1-weighted MR images in 17 of 32 (53%), strong hyperintensity on T2-weighted MR images in 24 of 54 (44%), and persistent enhancement on delayed contrast material-enhanced CT or T1-weighted MR images in 23 of 38 (61%). No specific US pattern was noted. Two patients had additional lesions: One had classic FNH, and the other had a cavernous hemangioma. Hyperintensity on T1-weighted MR images was due to sinusoidal dilatation. Hyperintensity on T2-weighted MR images correlated well with the presence of inflammation. CONCLUSION: Telangiectatic FNH differs from typical FNH at imaging: Atypical FNH features often observed with telangiectatic FNH are lack of a central scar, lesion heterogeneity, hyperintensity on T1-weighted MR images, strong hyperintensity on T2-weighted MR images, and persistent contrast enhancement on delayed contrast-enhanced CT or T1-weighted MR images.     

Imaging of tumors of the spine and spinal cord

Imaging of the spine and spinal cord has traditionally been accomplished with plain radiography, myelography, and CT. Recently, MR imaging has become the technique of choice in the assessment of lesions of the spine and spinal cord. MR imaging provides accurate localization of intramedullary, intradural extramedullary, and extradural tumors. Ependymomas and low-grade astrocytomas are the most common intramedullary tumors. MR imaging findings are distinguishable by the delineation and size of the lesion, and the signal intensity on T2-weighted images. Other less common tumors include malignant astrocytomas, hemangioblastomas, and intramedullary metastasis. Numerous foci of high-velocity signal loss are seen in the hemangioblastomas. Metastasis, meningiomas, and schwannomas are the most common intradural extramedullary tumors. Meningiomas are characterized by dural enhancement on postcontrast T1-weighted images. Schwannomas and neurofibromas often erode bony structures and appear to be dumbbell-shaped. Epidural metastasis accounts for the majority of extradural tumors. Primary malignant extradural tumors include lymphomas, chordomas, and so on. The most common primary benign extradural tumor is hemangioma, which often appears to be hyperintense on both T1-weighted and T2-weighted images. Intramedullary non-neoplastic lesions include demyelinating, vascular, and infectious diseases. Diffuse, peripheral, or speckled contrast enhancement, and lack of contrast enhancement may suggest non-neoplastic lesions.     

Giant metastatic cystosarcoma phyllodes to the lung: CT and MR findings.

The authors present a case of giant pulmonary metastasis from cystosarcoma phyllodes of the breast, and correlate the CT and MR findings with the pathological findings. Although CT showed homogenous low density in most parts of the tumor, T 2-weighted MR images presented a more variegated appearance, namely, peculiar slit-like areas of low intensity between areas of high intensity. The MR findings reflected the characteristic gross pathology of cystosarcoma phyllodes, showing narrow cavities filled with bloody fluid surrounding intracystic protruding tumors with abundant necrotic change.     

Hepatocellular carcinoma: correlation of MR imaging and histopathologic findings.

Seventy-two histologically proved nodular hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) were studied with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging at 1.5 T. Capsules were present in 56 of the 72 tumors. Thirty-seven capsules were depicted on T1-weighted spin-echo MR images, and 16 were depicted on T2-weighted MR images. Visualization was dependent on thickness and structure of the capsules. Of the 72 tumors, 36 had a mosaic pattern. A mosaic pattern was visualized in 12 of the 36 tumors on T1-weighted images and in 27 of the 36 tumors on T2-weighted images. Six tumors were determined to be histologic grade 1, and all were hyperintense on T1-weighted images, regardless of whether intracellular fat deposits were present. Four of the six grade 1 tumors were isointense on T2-weighted images. In contrast, grades 2 and 3 tumors had various signal intensities on T1-weighted images and most were hyperintense on T2-weighted images. Twenty-one of 32 tumors (66%) with focal areas of increased signal intensity on T2-weighted images had intratumoral dilated sinusoids at histologic examination.     

Detection and quantification of breast tumor necrosis with MR imaging: value of the necrosis-avid contrast agent Gadophrin-3

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The authors evaluated the use of T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with Gadophrin-3 enhancement and of plain T2-weighted MR imaging to detect and quantify breast tumor necrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty EMT-6 tumors (mouse mammary sarcoma), implanted into the mammary fat pad of BALB/c-AnNCrl mice, underwent MR imaging with plain T2-weighted and T1-weighted fast field echo sequences before and 24 hours after injection of Gadophrin-3, a new necrosis-avid contrast agent. Tumor necrosis on MR images was quantified by means of a dedicated segmentation program and was correlated with histologic findings. RESULTS: In all tumors a central necrosis was revealed by histopathologic analysis, and central enhancement was seen with Gadophrin-3 on T1-weighted images. Small tumors (diameter, < 1 cm) showed an inhomogeneous central enhancement, whereas larger tumors (diameter, > 1 cm) enhanced mainly in the periphery of necrotic tissue. Plain T2-weighted images showed a hyperintense central area in only three of 20 cases with a large central necrosis. CONCLUSION: Gadophrin-3-enhanced T1-weighted images are superior to plain T2-weighted images for the detection of necrosis in a murine tumor xenograft model.     

Musculoskeletal tumors: improved depiction with linear combinations of MR images

With postprocessing, the authors produced a single hybrid image that combines the complementary information in conventional T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images. A 1-T MR imager was used to produce T1- and T2-weighted images (repetition time, msec/echo time, msec: 500/30, 1,500/120) of patients with various primary bone tumors. Various weighted sums and differences of these images were then formed. Weighted subtraction allowed formation of hybrid images with high contrast between tumor and all adjacent normal tissues (muscle, fat, bone marrow), unlike the original T1- and T2-weighted images. Certain weighted sums of the acquired images simultaneously display the high signal-to-noise and clear anatomic detail of the T1-weighted technique along with the high contrast between extraosseous tumor and muscle of the T2-weighted image. A single hybrid MR image can contain useful characteristics both of T1- and T2-weighted images, making it easier for one to detect the extent of an abnormality.     

Gadolinium-DOTA enhanced MR imaging of adnexal tumors

We conducted a retrospective study to assess the potential of contrast enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in evaluating adnexal tumors. Sixty patients with a total of 77 pelvic lesions underwent MR imaging at 1.5 T and transabdominal ultrasound (US). Precontrast T1- and T2-weighted and Gd-DOTA enhanced T1-weighted MR images were obtained. Diagnoses were proved by surgery in 57 patients. Of the 77 lesions, 54 masses were of ovarian origin, including 12 malignant disorders. Ultrasound demonstrated the lesions in 92%, whereas the sensitivity of unenhanced T2-weighted and postcontrast MR images was 98 and 96%, respectively. Compared to the T2-weighted images, postcontrast MR imaging showed superior overall tumor delineation, assessment of intratumoral architecture, and definition of tumor origin. Contrast enhancement of tumors did not differ significantly between normal ovary and benign and malignant lesions. All modalities were unable to predict malignancy of complex lesions. Based on our study, US remains the screening modality of choice in the evaluation of adnexal tumors. Contrast enhanced MR imaging may be valuable for assessing complex lesions or when the origin of the mass cannot be determined by US. Using contrast enhanced T1-weighted images instead of T2-weighted images may lead to a significant reduction in acquisition time.     

CT and MR imaging features of oral and maxillofacial hemangioma and vascular malformation

PURPOSE: To present CT and MR images and compare CT and MRI features of oral and maxillofacial hemangioma and vascular malformation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The clinical materials consisted of nine vascular tumors from nine patients examined by both CT and MR scanners between November 1996 and March 2002. Both CT and MR images were retrospectively evaluated. The following features were evaluated: detectability of the lesion, border of the lesion, tumor margin, inner nature of the lesion, contrast between the lesion and surrounding tissues, degree of CT value or signal intensity of the lesion, enhancement of contrast medium, inner nature of the lesion after contrast medium injection, detectability of phleboliths and detectability of bone resorption. RESULTS: In two patients, we could not detect lesions in any of the CT images because of artifacts from the teeth and/or dental restorations. In contrast, we could detect all lesions on T2-weighted MR images and contrast enhanced T1-weighted MR images. On T2-weighted images with the fat suppression technique, tumors tended to show higher contrast compared to surrounding tissues. CONCLUSION: T2-weighted images with the fat suppression technique and contrast enhanced T1-weighted images with the fat suppression technique were very useful for the detection of vascular lesions. Observation from optional directions (axial, coronal and sagittal images) seemed appropriate for delineating the extension of the tumor. Phleboliths detectability on CT images was superior to that on MR images.