TY - JOUR
T1 - Thymic masses on MR imaging
AU - Molina, P. L.
AU - Siegel, M. J.
AU - Glazer, H. G.
PY - 1990
Y1 - 1990
N2 - MR imaging is an excellent technique for identifying and defining the extent of thymic tumors. T1-weighted spin-echo MR images (e.g., 600/15 [TR/TE]) best demonstrate tumor extent, and T2-weighted images (e.g., 2500/90 [TR/TE]) help differentiate 'cystic' from solid thymic masses. Cyst formation and/or hemorrhage appear as areas of high signal intensity (greater than that of fat) on T2-weighted images. Focal areas of low signal intensity (less than that of muscle) correspond pathologically to fibrous capsules and septa, air, or calcification. In this report, the MR appearance of the normal thymus is reviewed briefly, and the gamut of abnormal thymic masses on MR is illustrated.
AB - MR imaging is an excellent technique for identifying and defining the extent of thymic tumors. T1-weighted spin-echo MR images (e.g., 600/15 [TR/TE]) best demonstrate tumor extent, and T2-weighted images (e.g., 2500/90 [TR/TE]) help differentiate 'cystic' from solid thymic masses. Cyst formation and/or hemorrhage appear as areas of high signal intensity (greater than that of fat) on T2-weighted images. Focal areas of low signal intensity (less than that of muscle) correspond pathologically to fibrous capsules and septa, air, or calcification. In this report, the MR appearance of the normal thymus is reviewed briefly, and the gamut of abnormal thymic masses on MR is illustrated.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0025023868&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.2214/ajr.155.3.2117345
DO - 10.2214/ajr.155.3.2117345
M3 - Article
C2 - 2117345
AN - SCOPUS:0025023868
SN - 0361-803X
VL - 155
SP - 495
EP - 500
JO - American Journal of Roentgenology
JF - American Journal of Roentgenology
IS - 3
ER -