Detection of liver metastases: comparison of superparamagnetic iron oxide-enhanced and unenhanced MR imaging at 1.5 T with dynamic CT, intraoperative US, and percutaneous US

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the sensitivities of superparamagnetic iron oxide-enhanced and unenhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging at 1.5 T with those of percutaneous ultrasound (US), intraoperative US (IOUS), and dynamic computed tomography (CT) in the preoperative assessment of metastatic liver disease.

Materials and methods: Eighteen patients with liver metastases who were candidates for curative surgery underwent presurgical imaging. Thirteen patients underwent surgery and IOUS after undergoing preoperative US, CT, and MR imaging.

Results: In the preoperative imaging group, the standard of reference was the total number of lesions detected with any of the modalities. Superparamagnetic iron oxide-enhanced MR imaging was the most sensitive modality (99%). In the surgical group, the standard of reference was the total number of metastases identified at IOUS and pathologic examination. IOUS had the highest sensitivity (80%), followed by superparamagnetic iron oxide-enhanced MR imaging (56%).

Conclusion: Superparamagnetic iron oxide-enhanced high-field-strength MR imaging facilitates the preoperative evaluation of potentially curable metastatic liver disease; however, it is inferior to IOUS.