Curve type |
Characteristics |
Type I |
Straight or curved. In type Ia, the straight type, the signal intensity continues to increase over the entire dynamic period; in type Ib, the curved type, the time-signal-intensity curve is flattened in the late postcontrast period because of saturation effects. |
Type II |
A plateau in which there is an initial upstroke, after which enhancement is abruptly cut off, and the signal intensity plateaus in the intermediate and late postcontrast periods. |
Type III |
A washout in which there is an initial upstroke, after which enhancement is abruptly cut off, and the signal intensity decreases (washes out) in the intermediate postcontrast period (i.e., 2-3 minutes after injection of contrast material). |
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