To evaluate the difference of MR signal intensity of acute intracerebral hematoma(ICH) between 2.0 T and 0.5 T field strengths and the capability of the lesion depiction at each field strength, brain MR imaging of 15 cats with experimentally-produced acute ICH was performed at both 2.0 T and 0.5 T units. Hematomas were formed in the right parietal lobes by injecting 1.5ml of autologous femoral arterial blood. MR images were obtained with TI-(TIWI), proten density-(PDWI), and T2-weighted(T2WI) spin-echo(SE)sequences and T2*-weighted gradient echo(GE) techniquie, immediately after formation of the hematoma(usually within two hours(n=6), six hours(n-5), one day(n=6), three days(n=6), five days(n=5), and seven days(n=5) at both 2.0 and 0.5 T. The signal intensities of the ICHs were also objectively compared by measuring the signal intensities of the lesion and the contralateral white matter using cursor. In addition, depoction rate of ICH was assessed on each pulse sequence at both 2.0T and 0.5 T field strengths. The results were as follows: 1.In immediate hematoma group, the signal intensities of hematomas were generally iso-or slightly hypointense on all SE sequences and markedly hypointense on GE images at both 2.0T and 0.5T.There was no significant difference in signal intensities between 2.0 T and 0.5 T on all pulse sequences. 2. In all other groups of hematoma older than six hours, the signal intensities of the hematomas tended to be hypointense on SE PDWI and T2WI at 2.0T, while hyperintense on SE PDWI and T2WI at 0.5T. OnGe images, hematomas appeared markedly hypointense and larger than those on SE images regardless of field strngth difference. 3.On TIWI, there was no significant difference in the signal intensities of hematomas between 2.0T and 0.5 T throughout whole groups. Hematomas generally appeared hyperintense on SE TIWI in all other groups of hematoma older than 3 days. 4.Depiction rate of hematomas on SE sequences was 97% (on T2WI) at 2.0 T, while 73%(on PDWI and T2WI) at 0.5T.On GE sequence, it increased up to 100% at 2.0 T and 97% at 0.5 T. In conclusion, 2.0 T MR imaging appears superior to 0.5 T MR imaging in the evaluation of acute intracerebral hematoma. Routine SE pulse sequences are considered to be satisfactory for detecting acute hematoma at 2.0 T, but not at 0.5 T.GE technique is useful as a complementary sequence at both 2.0T and 0.5 T MR imaging, and particularly helpful 0.5 T MR imaging.