Optimized time-resolved 3D contrast-enhanced MRA at 3T: Appreciating the feasibility of assessing cervical paragangliomas

SummaryObjectivesTo describe an optimized 3D time-resolved contrast-enhanced MR angiography (3D TR-CE-MRA) at 3T in diagnosing head and neck paragangliomas and assessing their morphology and relation to neighboring vessels.MethodsIn a prospective study, eight consecutive patients presenting cranial cervical masses suspected to be 10 paragangliomas were examined with 3D TR-CE-MRA at 3T. Two neuroradiologists evaluated the overall image quality, the presence of a paraganglioma, the maximum diameter, as well as the vessel invasion.ResultsIn all of the cases, the overall image quality was scored as good. The tumors (n = 10) were all visualized and localized. The mean maximum diameter was 32.7 mm [range 7–80]. Vessel invasion was assessed as uncertain in one case and improbable in nine cases.Conclusion3D TR-CE-MRA at 3T associated with conventional sequences facilitates a comprehensive investigation of paragangliomas, thus providing the anatomical and functional information.