低剂量增强高场MR下肢动脉造影的初步模型实验及临床应用

目的 探讨高场MR下肢动脉增强造影(contrast-enhanced MRA,CE-MRA)使用较低剂量对比剂的可行性及临床应用价值.方法 应用3 T MR仪,测定对比剂Gd-DTPA浓度(0.5～6.0 mmol/L)与CE-MRA信号强度的关系.选定临床可能应用的浓度值(0.5、1.5、2.5、4.0 mmol/L),对人造血管狭窄模型进行CE-MRA扫描并与DSA相对比,依据管腔表现能力初步确定适合于临床应用的对比剂低剂量范围.之后选用较低剂量13 ml Gd-DTPA(相当于1.1～1.3 mmol/L血液浓度)对78例糖尿病患者下肢动脉进行了三段法CE-MRA扫描,对图像质量进行评价,并对小腿动脉狭窄诊断率及其静脉污染影响程度进行了Fisher's确切检验.将其中有DSA检查的22例按照不同动脉节段(共220节段)及狭窄程度(划分为4级)与DSA结果进行了Kappa一致性检验.结果 Gd-DTPA在0.5～6.0 mmol/L范围内,浓度与信号强度呈线性正相关,应用较低浓度(1.5 mmol/L)Gd-DTPA进行CE-MRA可获得血管模型狭窄信息.临床数据分析表明低剂量对比剂对于膝以上动脉成像可诊断率达97.4%(76/78),膝以下动脉造影质量受静脉污染显著影响,污染存在与否其诊断率分别为20.0%(31/155)及43.2%(67/155)(P＜0.01).22例患者以DSA为标准,CE-MRA诊断狭窄的敏感度及特异度分别为96.0%(168/175)及73.3%(33/45)(K=0.72,P＜0.01);但膝以下动脉诊断符合率(K值0.43～0.63)低于膝以上动脉(K值0.75～0.82).结论 低剂量13mlGd-DTPA可以应用于临床下肢动脉狭窄性病变的CE-MRA检查,并且与DSA相比具有较高的诊断敏感度及特异度,但小腿静脉污染是CE-MRA检查中需要克服的缺陷.     

NC100150-enhanced 3D-SPGR MR angiography of the common carotid artery in a pig vascular stenosis model. Quantification of stenosis and dose optimization.

PURPOSE: NC100150 is a new type of ultra-small iron oxide (USPIO) blood pool agent. The aim of this study was to compare NC100150-enhanced MR angiography (MRA) to time-of-flight (TOF) MRA, phase-contrast (PC) MRA, and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in experimental stenoses in pigs, and furthermore to determine the optimal dose of the contrast agent. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An experimental stenosis of the right and left common carotid artery (CCA) was applied surgically in 6 Yorkshire pigs. DSA was performed as the gold standard, followed by 3D-TOF, 3D-PC, and NC100150-enhanced MRA. RESULTS: Eleven stenoses of the CCA were successfully applied. The degree of the stenosis, determined by NC100150-enhanced MRA, did not differ significantly from DSA, whereas TOF and PC MRA underestimated it. The image quality of the NC100150-enhanced MRA was superior to both TOF and PC MRA. The optimal dose of NC100150 was 5-6 mg Fe/kg, since higher doses did not further increase signal-to-noise ratio or contrast-to-noise ratio. There was a linear relationship between blood relaxation rate and contrast dose. CONCLUSION: NC100150-enhanced MRA has the potential for quantification of carotid stenoses and provides an alternative to DSA. The optimal dose of NC100150 was 5-6 mg Fe/kg.     

Gadobenate dimeglumine (MultiHance) for magnetic resonance angiography: review of the literature

Although limited in number, reports describing the use of Gd-BOPTA for 3D CE-MRA reveal that this agent is safe, well tolerated and effective for CE-MRA at doses up to 0.3 mmol/kg bodyweight. The use of Gd-BOPTA leads to additional diagnostically relevant information comparable to that attainable with conventional DSA and superior to that on non-enhanced MRA in most arterial territories. In studies in which Gd-BOPTA is compared at equal dose with other gadolinium-based MR contrast agents, Gd-BOPTA has consistently shown significantly better quantitative and qualitative performance. Thus, Gd-BOPTA can be considered to have a very favorable risk/benefit ratio for MRA. In summary, it is likely the documented superiority of Gd-BOPTA for MR angiography will lead to its broad usage for this indication wherever the agent becomes available.     

Accuracy of 3 T MR angioraphy in vertebral artery stenosis and coincidence with other cerebrovascular stenoses

Introduction

Ostium of vertebral artery (VA) is a common site of pseudostenosis on contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA). The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of CE-MRA at 3 T in the evaluation of ostial stenosis of VA and to find associated coincidental stenoses using logistic regression analysis.

Methods

One hundred and thirty-five VA ostial regions from 72 patients who received CE-MRA of neck vessels, intracranial time of flight (TOF) MRA, and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) were retrospectively reviewed. The sensitivity and specificity of the CE-MRA in detection of ostial stenosis were calculated with reference standard of DSA. Ostial stenosis on MRA was correlated with coincidental lesions in intracranial and cervical arteries by logistic regression analysis.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity of the CE-MRA were 100% and 80.4% for detection of significant stenosis. In case of significant stenoses, CE-MRA showed a tendency of overestimation with a false-positive rate of 52.5%. Logistic regression analysis showed that the stenoses of middle cerebral artery (MCA) on TOF MRA was associated with significant stenoses of VA ostia (OR?=?5.84, 95% confidence intervals 1.41–24.17).

Conclusion

CE-MRA is sensitive in detection of VA ostial stenosis although it has high false-positive rate. True positive ostial stenosis should be considered in cases of coincidental stenoses of MCA on TOF MRA.     

Value of subtraction in fat-saturated three-dimensional contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography of the hemodialysis fistula

Purpose: To evaluate image subtraction in a three-dimensional contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (3D CE-MRA) using fat suppression for the hemodialysis fistula.

Material and Methods: Fifteen patients suffering from hemodialysis fistula dysfunction were imaged with 3D CE-MRA using fat suppression and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Non-subtracted and subtracted MRA images using maximum intensity projection (MIP) were constructed and the validity of the MRA interpretations of the degree of vascular stenoses was evaluated using DSA as the standard of reference. Image quality was assessed using qualitative analysis (vessel contrast) and quantitative analysis (contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the vessel versus the background).

Results: In the vessels with stenosis of 50% or greater, the sensitivity and specificity of the non-subtracted MRA were 89.5% and 81.8%, respectively, and of the subtracted MRA 89.5% and 86.4%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the detectability of stenoses between either MRA. The vessel contrast of the anterior interosseous artery and the CNR of the anterior interosseous artery versus the background on the subtracted MRA were significantly superior to those on the non-subtracted MRA. With regard to the radial artery and cephalic vein, there was no significant difference in the vessel contrast and CNR between either MRA.

Conclusion: Both subtracted and non-subtracted MRA techniques are useful in detecting hemodialysis fistula dysfunction.     

Three-dimensional time-of-flight (3D TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and contrast-enhanced MRA of intracranial aneurysms treated with platinum coils

Background: Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) is less prone to flow-related signal intensity loss than three-dimensional time-of-flight (3D TOF) MRA and may therefore be more sensitive for detection of residual patency in platinum coil-treated intracranial aneurysms.

Purpose: To compare MRA and CE-MRA in the follow-up of intracranial aneurysms treated with platinum coils.

Material and Methods: CE-MRA and 3D TOF MRA (pre- and postcontrast injection) of the intracranial vasculature was performed at 1.5T in 38 patients (47 aneurysms) referred for DSA in the follow-up of coiled intracranial aneurysms.

Results: DSA showed aneurysm patency in 22/47 investigations. Patent aneurysm components were observed with CE-MRA in 18/22 cases, and with 3D TOF MRA in 21/22 cases. There was no significant difference in patent aneurysm component size between CE-MRA and 3D TOF MRA. In addition, CE-MRA showed six, 3D TOF MRA before contrast injection showed seven, and 3D TOF MRA after contrast injection showed eight cases with patent aneurysm components not observed on DSA.

Conclusion: 3D TOF MRA was highly sensitive for detection of patent aneurysm components, and at least as sensitive as CE-MRA. Residual aneurysm patency seems to be better visualized with MRA than with DSA in some cases.     

Intraindividual comparison of 1.0 M gadobutrol and 0.5 M gadopentetate dimeglumine for time-resolved contrast-enhanced three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography of the upper torso

PURPOSE: To compare the signal characteristics and bolus dynamics of 1.0 M gadobutrol and 0.5 M Gd-DTPA for time-resolved, three-dimensional, contrast-enhanced (CE) MRA of the upper torso. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten healthy volunteers were examined with time-resolved three-dimensional CE-MRA (scan time per three-dimensional data set: 0.86 second; voxel size: 3.6 x 2 x 6.3 mm(3)). Each volunteer underwent eight individual examinations after intravenous injection of 0.05 and 0.1 mmol/kg body weight (b.w.) of 1.0 M gadobutrol and 0.5 M Gd-DTPA using two injection rates (2.5 and 5 mL/second). The data analysis included quantitative measurements of the peak signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and bolus dispersion (full width at half maximum (FWHM)) in the pulmonary artery, left atrium, and thoracic and abdominal aortas. RESULTS: No significant differences in the peak SNR and bolus dispersion were observed between gadobutrol and Gd-DTPA for all dose levels and injection rates in any of the vascular segments. For both contrast agents a dose of 0.1 mmol/kg b.w. injected with 5 mL/second achieved the highest SNR in all vascular segments. CONCLUSION: For the imaging parameters used in this study, higher-concentrated gadolinium chelates offer no relevant advantages for time-resolved three-dimensional CE-MRA of the upper torso.     

MR angiography of the pedal arteries with gadobenate dimeglumine, a contrast agent with increased relaxivity, and comparison with selective intraarterial DSA

PURPOSE: To compare gadobenate dimeglumine (Gd-BOPTA)-enhanced MR angiography (i.e., contrast-enhanced MRA [CE-MRA]) of the pedal vasculature with selective digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 22 patients with PAOD were prospectively examined at 1.5T. For contrast enhancement, 0.1 mmol/kg body weight of Gd-BOPTA were applied. MRA consisted of dynamic imaging with acquisition of six consecutive data sets. Acquisition time for each data set was 24 seconds, voxel size was 1.0 x 1.0 x 1.3 mm(3). A total of 20 out of 22 patient underwent selective DSA, two patients fine-needle DSA. DSA and MRA were performed within seven days. Image analysis was independently done by two observers with assessment of overall image quality, motion artifacts, detection of patent vessel segments of the distal calf and pedal vessels, and the number of patent metatarsal arteries. After four weeks, a consensus reading of DSA images was done. A second consensus reading of CE-MRA was performed after a further six weeks. RESULTS: Consensus readings of MRA and DSA revealed higher image quality and fewer motion artifacts for MRA (P = 0.021 and P = 0.008, respectively, sign test); interobserver agreement was good (kappa = 0.78) for image quality, and moderate (kappa = 0.46) for motion artifacts. There were no differences between CE-MRA and DSA in detecting patent vessel segments with a high degree of agreement (kappa = 0.89), and interobserver agreement for MRA was substantial (kappa = 0.89). Significantly more vessels were assessed as partially occluded on DSA than on CE-MRA (P = 0.004). There was a good agreement between DSA and CE-MRA for assessment of relevant vessel stenosis (kappa = 0.61); interobserver agreement for MRA was good (kappa = 0.65). CE-MRA detected significantly more patent metatarsal arteries than did DSA (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Gd-BOPTA-enhanced MRA is comparable to DSA for assessment of the pedal vasculature, and is able to delineate significantly more patent vessels without segmental occlusions and more metatarsal arteries than selective DSA.     

Gadobenate dimeglumine-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography of the pelvic arteries

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate 4 doses of gadobenate dimeglumine (Gd-BOPTA) for contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) of the pelvic arteries and to compare CE-MRA with unenhanced time-of-flight MRA (2D-TOF-MRA). METHODS: A multicenter Phase II dose-finding study was performed in 136 patients with Gd-BOPTA doses of 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 mmol/kg bodyweight. Evaluation of CE-MRA images and comparison with 2D-TOF-MRA images was performed onsite and by 2 blinded offsite reviewers in terms of subjective image quality, number of lesions detected, and confidence in lesion characterization. RESULTS: Significant (P < 0.05) improvements over unenhanced findings were observed for CE-MRA at all dose levels. For reviewer 1 and the onsite investigators, the overall image quality increased up to a dose of 0.1 mmol/kg and then plateaued. For reviewer 2, increased image quality was noted up to a dose of 0.2 mmol/kg. Significant (P < 0.005) increases in diagnostic confidence on CE-MRA versus unenhanced MRA was observed for all dose groups by reviewer 1 and the onsite investigators and for the 0.1 and 0.2 mmol/kg dose groups by reviewer 2. No serious adverse events were recorded that were attributable to the study drug and no trends in laboratory parameters, vital signs, or electrocardiogram recordings were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Gadobenate dimeglumine-enhanced MRA is safe and significantly more effective than unenhanced 2D-TOF-MRA for imaging the pelvic arteries. A dose of 0.1 mmol/kg appears the most appropriate dose for subsequent Phase III clinical evaluation.     

Comparison of 3D TOF-MRA and 3D CE-MRA at 3 T for imaging of intracranial aneurysms

Purpose

To compare 3 T elliptical-centric CE MRA with 3 T TOF MRA for the detection and characterization of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs), by using digital subtracted angiography (DSA) as reference.

Materials and methods

Twenty-nine patients (12 male, 17 female; mean age: 62 years) with 41 aneurysms (34 saccular, 7 fusiform; mean diameter: 8.85 mm [range 2.0–26.4 mm]) were evaluated with MRA at 3 T each underwent 3D TOF-MRA examination without contrast and then a 3D contrast-enhanced (CE-MRA) examination with 0.1 mmol/kg bodyweight gadobenate dimeglumine and k-space elliptic mapping (Contrast ENhanced Timing Robust Angiography [CENTRA]). Both TOF and CE-MRA images were used to evaluate morphologic features that impact the risk of rupture and the selection of a treatment. Almost half (20/41) of UIAs were located in the internal carotid artery, 7 in the anterior communicating artery, 9 in the middle cerebral artery and 4 in the vertebro-basilar arterial system.All patients also underwent DSA before or after the MR examination.

Results

The CE-MRA results were in all cases consistent with the DSA dataset. No differences were noted between 3D TOF-MRA and CE-MRA concerning the detection and location of the 41 aneurysms or visualization of the parental artery. Differences were apparent concerning the visualization of morphologic features, especially for large aneurysms (>13 mm). An irregular sac shape was demonstrated for 21 aneurysms on CE-MRA but only 13/21 aneurysms on 3D TOF-MRA. Likewise, CE-MRA permitted visualization of an aneurismal neck and calculation of the sac/neck ratio for all 34 aneurysms with a neck demonstrated at DSA. Conversely, a neck was visible for only 24/34 aneurysms at 3D TOF-MRA. 3D CE-MRA detected 15 aneurysms with branches originating from the sac and/or neck, whereas branches were recognized in only 12/15 aneurysms at 3D TOF-MRA.

Conclusion

For evaluation of intracranial aneurysms at 3 T, 3D CE-MRA is superior to 3D TOF-MRA for assessment of sac shape, detection of aneurysmal neck, and visualization of branches originating from the sac or neck itself, if the size of the aneurysm is greater than 13 mm. 3 T 3D CE-MRA is as accurate and effective as DSA for the evaluation of UIAs.     

Contrast-enhanced 3D MRA with centric ordering in k space: A preliminary clinical experience in imaging the abdominal aorta and renal and peripheral arterial vasculature

The objective of this study was to determine the clinical utility of a contrast-enhanced, centric reordered, three-dimensional (3D) MR angiography (MRA) pulse sequence in imaging the abdominal aorta and renal and peripheral lower extremity arteries. Twenty-eight MRA studies were performed on 23 patients and four volunteers at 1.5 T using a 3D contrast-enhanced, centric reordered pulse sequence. In 20 patients, the abdominal aorta and renal arteries were imaged, and in seven patients, the lower extremity arteries were imaged. In 19 patients, a total of 51 renal vessels were evaluated (33 renal arteries using .1 mmol/kg of gadopentetate dimeglumine and 18 renal arteries using .2 mmol/kg of gadoteridol). A total of 70 peripheral arterial segments were assessed using .2 mmol/kg of gadoteridol. Correlation with conventional angiography was made for the following 14 cases: renal artery stenosis (four cases), abdominal aortic stenosis (one case), arteriovenous fistula in a transplant kidney (one case), renal arteriovenous malformation (one case), common iliac artery aneurysms (one case), and peripheral lower extremity (six cases). Of the 70 peripheral arterial segments evaluated, in 35, there was correlation with x-ray angiography. The mean percent of aortic signal enhancement was significantly higher in the .2 mmol/kg dose group (370.8 ± 190.3) than in the .1 mmol/kg dose group (184.5 ± 128.9) (P = .02). However, there was no apparent difference between the two doses for visualization of the renal and accessory renal arteries. There was concordance between the contrast-enhanced 3D MRA studies and conventional angiography in all cases of renal artery and peripheral arterial stenoses and occlusions, including visualization of reconstituted peripheral arterial segments. There was no evidence of spin dephasing effects at sites of stenoses on the 3D contrast-enhanced MRA studies. Contrast-enhanced, centric reordered, 3D MRA can rapidly image the abdominal aorta and renal and accessory renal arteries, as well as peripheral lower extremity arteries, with high resolution. Accurate depiction of the vascular lumen at sites of stenosis is made because of the lack of spin dephasing effects, even with hemody-namically significant stenoses. Additional larger clinical trials are required with this promising technique.     

Time-resolved contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography of the carotid arteries: diagnostic accuracy and inter-observer variability compared with selective catheter angiography

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the diagnostic accuracy and interobserver variability of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) in a time-resolved technique compared with digital subtraction angiography (x-ray DSA) in patients with suspected stenoses of the internal carotid artery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 43 patients were enrolled in this prospective study. All patients underwent selective x-ray DSA involving a total of 84 carotid arteries. CE-MRA was performed in a time-resolved technique with a fast gradient-echo sequence on a 1.5 T MR scanner: TR 3.8 milliseconds, TE 1.49 milliseconds. Four consecutive measurements, each a duration of 10 seconds, were performed with omission of measuring bolus transit time. Four independent radiologists scored the degree of stenosis. The interobserver variability was calculated for CE-MRA and x-ray DSA. RESULTS: In the 43 cases, at least one MRA measurement showed arterial contrast without venous degradation. Compared with x-ray DSA the mean sensitivity and specificity for grading stenosis > or = 70% were 98% and 86%, respectively. The interobserver agreement was substantial with no significant difference between CE-MRA (kappa value 0.794) and x-ray DSA (kappa value 0.786). CONCLUSIONS: The short acquisition time of a fast CE-MRA sequence allows a selective visualization of the internal carotid arteries without degradation from venous enhancement. It is a reliable method with a good interobserver agreement.     

Whole-Body Magnetic Resonance Angiography with Additional Steady-State Acquisition of the Infragenicular Arteries in Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if addition of infragenicular steady-state (SS) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to first-pass imaging improves diagnostic performance compared with first-pass imaging alone in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) undergoing whole-body (WB) MRA. Twenty consecutive patients with PAD referred to digital-subtraction angiography (DSA) underwent WB-MRA. Using a bolus-chase technique, first-pass WB-MRA was performed from the supra-aortic vessels to the ankles. The blood-pool contrast agent gadofosveset trisodium was used at a dose of 0.03 mmol/kg body weight. Ten minutes after injection of the contrast agent, high-resolution (0.7-mm isotropic voxels) SS-MRA of the infragenicular arteries was performed. Using DSA as the “gold standard,” sensitivities and specificities for detecting significant arterial stenoses (≥50% luminal narrowing) with first-pass WB-MRA, SS-MRA, and combined first-pass and SS-MRA were calculated. Kappa statistics were used to determine intermodality agreement between MRA and DSA. Overall sensitivity and specificity for detecting significant arterial stenoses with first-pass WB-MRA was 0.70 (95% confidence interval 0.61 to 0.78) and 0.97 (0.94 to 0.99), respectively. In first-pass WB-MRA, the lowest sensitivity was in the infragenicular region, with a value of 0.42 (0.23 to 0.63). Combined analysis of first-pass WB-MRA and SS-MRA increased sensitivity to 0.81 (0.60 to 0.93) in the infragenicular region, with specificity of 0.94 (0.88 to 0.97). Sensitivity and specificity for detecting significant arterial stenoses with isolated infragenicular SS-MRA was 0.47 (0.27 to 0.69) and 0.86 (0.78 to 0.91), respectively. Intermodality agreement between MRA and DSA in the infragenicular region was moderate for first-pass WB-MRA (κ = 0.49), fair for SS-MRA (κ = 0.31), and good for combined first-pass/SS-MRA (κ = 0.71). Addition of infragenicular SS-MRA to first-pass WB MRA improves diagnostic performance.     

Adamkiewicz动脉的MR血管成像

目的 前瞻性研究对比剂增强MR血管成像(CE-MRA)显示Adamkiewicz动脉的可行性,在外科术前对脊髓血管进行评估,为脊柱外科的诊断与治疗提供参考.方法 10名志愿者及15例胸腰段椎间盘突出的患者术前行CE-MRA扫描,范围包括胸腹主动脉及其分支.扫描序列采用三维扰相梯度回波序列(3D-SPGR),注射对比剂量为0.3 mmol/kg.结果 在所有受检者中,脊髓前正中动脉(ASA)、Adamkiewicz及节段动脉均显示良好,所有患者的Adamkiewicz动脉均起源于T8～ L2之间.其中起源于左侧20例,右侧5例.ASA显示的范围T6～L3.Adamkiewicz动脉的直径为0.6～1.2 mm,ASA直径为0.6～1.0 mm.结论 CE-MRA扫描能对Adamkiewicz动脉进行准确的定位并能够提供可靠的信息,对临床有一定的应用价值.     

胸部磁共振增强血管造影时对比剂剂量和流率的依赖关系

目的 探讨正常人胸部磁共振增强血管造影(CE MRA)时对比剂剂量和流率的依赖关系。方法 无胸部疾病的正常志愿者61例，按0．08、0．17、0．25和0．33mmol／kg的不同剂量分成4组，再分别以2、3和4ml／s的流率注射对比剂，应用Siemens Vision Plus 1．5T MR系统进行三维动态增强MRA，以评价不同剂量和流率对人胸部血管MR造影的影响，结果 从血管肺组织对比度看，以0．25～0．33mmol／kg对比剂最佳，尤以0．25mmol／kg比较稳定；从2和4ml／s两种流率看，0．33mmol／kg剂量的血管肺组织对比度反而比0.25mmol／kg低，说明血管肺组织对比度并不是随剂量加大而增加的，当剂量达到一定程度时，这种对比度反而会下降。主动脉的强化与肺动脉和肺静脉相比，无论从信噪比还是对比度上均比较稳定，但也随着剂量的升高而逐渐升高，0．17mmol／kg以上基本都能获得较好的强化和对比度，尤其是0．25mmol/kg以上为佳。0．08～0．17mmol／kg剂量时，虽然4ml／s流率的血管肺组织对比度值明显高于2ml／s和3ml／s，但由于对比剂过于浓缩集中在一较短的血管节段内，所以整体图像的主观评价并不理想，达不到诊断要求。结论 胸部血管的CEMRA效果主要与对比剂的注射剂量有关，与流率关系不大。推荐胸部CE MRA对比剂剂量为0．25mmol／kg，以2～3ml／s的流率注射.     

Value of Single-Dose Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Angiography Versus Intraarterial Digital Subtraction Angiography in Therapy Indications in Abdominal and Iliac Arteries

The objective of the study was to prove the value of single-dose contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography [three-dimensional (3D) ceMRA] in abdominal and iliac arteries versus the reference standard intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (i.a.DSA) when indicating a therapy. Patients suspected of having abdominal or iliac artery stenosis were included in this study. A positive vote of the local Ethics Committe was given. After written informed consent was obtained, 37 patients were enrolled, of which 34 were available for image evaluation. Both 3D ceMRA and i.a. DSA were performed for each patient. The dosage for 3D ceMRA was 0.1 mmol/kg body weight in a 1.5-T scanner with a phased-array coil. The parameters of the 3D-FLASH sequence were as follows: TR/TE 4.6/1.8 ms, effective thickness 3.5 mm, matrix 512 × 200, flip angle 30°, field of view 420 mm, TA 23 s, coronal scan orientation. Totally, 476 vessel segments were evaluated for stenosis degree by two radiologists in a consensus fashion in a blinded read. For each patient, a therapy was proposed, if clinically indicated. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy for stenoses ≥50% were 68%, 92%, 44%, 97%, and 90%, respectively. In 13/34 patients, a discrepancy was found concerning therapy decisions based on MRA findings versus therapy decisions based on the reference standard DSA. The results showed that the used MRA imaging technique of abdominal and iliac arteries is not competitive to i.a. DSA, with a high rate of misinterpretation of the MRAs resulting in incorrect therapies.     

Gadopentetate dimeglumine-enhanced three-dimensional MR-angiography: dosing, safety, and efficacy

Noninvasiveness, inherent three-dimensionality allowing reformations in any desired plane, and safe contrast agents, coupled with high diagnostic accuracy have driven the rise in popularity of contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) within the medical community. Reflecting its dominant market share as a paramagnetic contrast agent, gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) has been used for the majority of clinically-performed MRA exams. Over the period January 1994 to February 2002, a total of 172 original studies describing the use of gadolinium-enhanced MRA in more than three human subjects were identified. Of these, 117 described the use of Gd-DTPA as the contrast agent for MRA. A total of 4046 subjects who received Gd-DTPA for MRA are described in these studies. Analysis of these data demonstrate Gd-DTPA to be a safe contrast agent for MRA when applied in a dose ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 mmol/kg of bodyweight. The documented clinical results show Gd-DTPA to be efficacious in the assessment of the arterial system. The effectiveness of Gd-DTPA-enhanced MRA extends beyond the detection, localization, and characterization of arterial disease, and encompasses choice and planning of appropriate therapy, as well as evaluation of therapeutic effectiveness.     

32通道线圈在3.0 T MR对比增强全心冠状动脉成像中的初步应用

目的 评价32通道线圈高并行采集加速3.0 T MR对比增强全心冠状动脉成像(CECMRA)技术的临床应用价值.方法 对拟诊冠心病的60例患者进行32通道线圈3.0 T CE CMRA检查,成像采用心电门控、呼吸导航、扰相位梯度回波序列,加用非选择性反转回波抑制心肌信号,TT为200 ms.以全心覆盖和并行采集方式获取图像数据.增强扫描采用钆贝葡胺(Gd-BOPTA,0.15 mmoL/kg)慢速静脉注射(0.3 ml/s).以X线冠状动脉造影结果作为参考标准,采用四格表χ2检验,评价CE CMRA诊断冠状动脉≥50%狭窄的诊断准确性.结果 60例患者中56例成功完成3.0 T CE CMRA,平均扫描时间为(6.0±1.3)min.CE CMRA在28例患者正确检出至少1个有意义狭窄,其诊断敏感性为93.3%.在26例CAG除外冠心病的患者中,CMRA正确排除了23例,其诊断特异性为88.5%.结论 应用32通道相控阵线圈行高并行采集加速3.0 T CE CMRA检查,可以在减少对比剂用量的同时缩短扫描时间,提高诊断准确性.     

Contrast-enhanced thoracic 3D-MR angiography in infants and children

Purpose: To optimise breath-hold contrast-enhanced MR angiography (MRA) in infants and children with suspected congenital heart or thoracic vessel malformation.Material and Methods: Thirty-nine children (median age 1 year) were examined, using five different ultrafast MRA sequences with a TR between 3.2 and 5.0 ms and the contrast agent meglumine gadoterate. A test injection was used to determine contrast travel time. Different parameters for contrast injection were evaluated. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) measurements were performed and image quality and injection timing were evaluated.Results: MRA was successful in all patients and image quality was considered very good in 52%. Adequate SNR was achieved with no significant differences between the MR sequences. SNR decreased only 25-30% between subsequent scans. The mean contrast dose was 0.23 mmol/kg. The mean scan time was 12.5±3.8 s; the shorter scan times made dynamic examinations possible with high temporal resolution. Highest spatial resolution was obtained with TR 4.6/5.0 sequences.Conclusion: A contrast dose of 0.2 mmol/kg b.w. is recommended with an injection rate of 0.5 to 1.2 ml/s, depending on patient size and scan time. The scan delay time should equal the contrast travel time for optimal vessel enhancement. In the future, contrast-enhanced MRA may be a potential alternative to angiocardiography in infants and children.     

对比剂增强的磁共振血管成像技术对比数字减影血管造影在颈部动脉诊断中的应用

目的：回顾性分析透视触发对化剂增强的磁共振血管成像（CE-MRA）技术对颈部血管的应用,与数字减影血管造影（DSA）对比,探讨其敏感性及应用价值。方法收集2011-2012年经MRA检查患者中临床表现有脑供血异常,疑颅内、颈内动脉或椎动脉狭窄、均进行透视触发CE-MRA和DSA检查的病例资料共28例进行分析。结果 CE-MRA检出狭窄部位30处,其中狭窄程度50％以上14处,完全闭塞6处,50％以下10处。 DSA检出狭窄部位28处,其中狭窄程度50％以上8处,完全闭塞4处,50％以下16处。2处MRA疑轻度狭窄,DSA未见异常;2处MRA示完全闭塞（颈内动脉）,而DSA示狭窄率90％以上。结论透视触发CE-MRA简便易行,敏感性与特异性均较高,可以作为可疑颈部及颅内动脉狭窄患者的首选检查方法。