PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Mikulis, D J
AU  - Chisin, R
AU  - Wismer, G L
AU  - Buxton, R B
AU  - Weber, A L
AU  - Davis, K R
AU  - Rosen, B
TI  - Phase-contrast imaging of the parotid region.
DP  - 1989 Jan 01
TA  - American Journal of Neuroradiology
PG  - 157--164
VI  - 10
IP  - 1
4099  - http://www.ajnr.org/content/10/1/157.short
4100  - http://www.ajnr.org/content/10/1/157.full
SO  - Am. J. Neuroradiol.1989 Jan 01; 10
AB  - Standard T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo acquisitions were compared with T1- and T2-weighted phase-contrast techniques in a series of 10 consecutive patients with parotid masses to assess the role of phase-contrast methods in the evaluation of lesions in the parotid fossa. Greater tissue-lesion contrast was obtained with phase-contrast methods in nine of 10 cases, allowing improved lesion visualization; however, an increase in lesion detectability was not observed in this series. Standard MR imaging methods are sufficient for imaging the parotid region in most cases, but can be quite time-consuming. Recommended screening of the parotid fossa that optimizes tissue-lesion contrast, lesion detectability, and imaging time is performed by combining a standard T1-weighted acquisition with a T1- or T2-weighted phase-contrast acquisition. Selection of a T1- or T2-weighted phase-contrast acquisition is determined by the T1 characteristics of the lesion.