Observing Tumor Vascularity Noninvasively Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

A new approach to tumor discrimination using magnetic resonance imaging is reported. The susceptibility difference between venous blood and the surrounding tissue is used to generate contrast. This approach is able to exquisitely reveal small veins even those which are smaller than a voxel. Using this method, it is possible to visualize the primary draining veins within tumors better than contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging methods that require a contrast agent or even conventional angiography. The ability to highlight deoxygenated blood may lead to the possibility of differentiating benign from malignant tumors noninvasively.