Noncontrast 3D steady-state free-precession magnetic resonance angiography of the whole chest using nonselective radiofrequency excitation over a large field of view: comparison with single-phase 3D contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility of three-dimensional (3D) steady-state free-precession (SSFP) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) using nonselective radiofrequency excitation in the assessment of cardiac morphology, thoracic aorta, main pulmonary, and proximal coronary arteries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty consecutive patients (19 males; 11 females; age range, 20-74) with various cardiac and thoracic vascular diseases underwent free-breathing respiratory navigator-gated electrocardiogram-triggered noncontrast SSFP MRA and conventional high-resolution 3D contrast-enhanced MRA (CE-MRA) of the thorax at 1.5 T. Two readers evaluated both datasets for findings, vascular delineation and sharpness (from 0, not visualized to 3, excellent definition), artifacts, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in 14 vascular segments including aorta, supra-aortic, pulmonary, and coronary arteries, and in cardiac chambers. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon test for vessel delineation, and [kappa] coefficient for interobserver variability. RESULTS: 3D SSFP and CE-MRA were successfully performed in all patients. Scan time for SSFP MRA ranged from 5 to 10 minutes (mean +/- standard deviation, 7 +/- 2 minutes). On SSFP MRA, readers 1 and 2 graded 233 (97.1%) and 234 (97.5%) coronary arterial segments and cardiac chambers, and 275 (91.7%) and 278 (92.7%) noncoronary arterial segments with diagnostic definition (grades 2 and 3) (k = 0.86). On conventional CE-MRA, readers 1 and 2 graded 10 (4.2%) and 12 (5%) coronary arterial segments and cardiac chambers, and 272 (90.7%) and 270 (90%) noncoronary arterial segments with diagnostic definition (grades 2 and 3) (k = 0.89). Segmental visibility was higher for aortic root, pulmonary trunk, proximal coronary arteries, and heart chambers (P < 0.001), and lower for supra-aortic arteries (P < 0.001) on SSFP MRA for each reader. SNR and CNR values were higher for aortic root and aorta on SSFP MRA (P < 0.001 for both). No significant difference existed between SNR and CNR values for the other vascular segments and cardiac chambers on SSFP and CE-MRA (P > 0.05 for all). The 2 readers demonstrated vascular stenosis and dilatation/aneurysm in 7 and 35 segments on both datasets, respectively. CONCLUSION: Noncontrast 3D SSFP MRA with nonselective radiofrequency excitation provides high image quality and sufficient SNR and CNR for confident assessment of cardiac and thoracic vascular diseases including congenital heart diseases. Our results suggest that noncontrast SSFP MRA outperforms CE-MRA in visualization of cardiac chambers, proximal coronary arteries, pulmonary trunk, and aortic root.     

Free-breathing, three-dimensional coronary artery magnetic resonance angiography: comparison of sequences

PURPOSE: To compare six free-breathing, three-dimensional, magnetization-prepared coronary magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) sequences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six bright-blood sequences were evaluated: Cartesian segmented gradient echo (C-SGE), radial SGE (R-SGE), spiral SGE (S-SGE), spiral gradient echo (S-GE), Cartesian steady-state free precession (C-SSFP), and radial SSFP (R-SSFP). The right coronary artery (RCA) was imaged in 10 healthy volunteers using all six sequences in randomized order. Images were evaluated by two observers with respect to signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), visible vessel length, vessel edge sharpness, and vessel diameter. RESULTS: C-SSFP depicted RCA over the longest distance with high vessel sharpness, good SNR, and excellent background suppression. S-GE provided best SNR and CNR in proximal segments, but more vessel blurring and poorer background suppression, resulting in poor visualization of distal segments. R-SSFP images showed good background suppression and best vessel sharpness, but only moderate SNR. C-SGE provided good SNR and reasonable CNR, but lowest vessel sharpness. S-SGE and R-SGE visualized the RCA over the smallest distance, mostly due to vessel blurring and low SNR, respectively. CONCLUSION: Overall, Cartesian SSFP provided the best image quality with excellent vessel sharpness, visualization of long vessel segments, and good SNR and CNR.     

CE-MRA在腹部静脉病变中的应用及诊断价值

目的探讨腹部静脉病变的CE-MRA的表现及临床应用价值。方法回顾性分析47例腹部静脉病变的常规MRI和腹部静脉CE-MRA表现。结果门脉高压28例(肝硬化性22例,非肝硬化性6例),其中1例合并静脉瘤;静脉内瘤栓8例;肿瘤性静脉包绕4例;布-加氏综合征(Budd-chiarrisyndrome,BCS)2例,门静脉海绵状变性(非肿瘤性)2例,肝移植术后3例。CE-MRA清楚显示了门静脉、脾静脉、胃冠状静脉的增粗,食道胃底静脉的曲张;瘤栓所致的腔内低信号区;静脉被肿物推移受压的情况;门静脉、肝静脉、下腔静脉的狭窄、闭塞和侧枝循环的分布范围和程度。常规MRI显示了腹部脏器的原发病变。结论CE-MRA结合常规MRI检查对腹部静脉病变有一定的诊断价值,对临床治疗方案的选择有明确的指导意义。     

平衡稳态自由进动序列非增强MR血管成像在糖尿病患者足部动脉成像中的应用研究

目的 评价基于血流敏感散相为准备脉冲的平衡稳态自由进动序列非增强MR血管成像(FSD-bSSFP NC-MRA,简称FSD-bSSFP),在糖尿病周围血管病变患者足部动脉成像中的临床应用价值.方法 对43例有足部症状的糖尿病患者采用FSD-bSSFP序列和三维对比增强序列(CEMRA)进行足部动脉成像.然后由2名有经验的放射科医师共同对2种成像技术的足部动脉图像质量、静脉污染和足部动脉分支的显示情况进行评分.采用Wilcoxon秩和检验对FSD-bSSFP和CEMRA图像质量、静脉污染情况、足背动脉及分支显示情况进行统计学分析;对2组图像足背动脉的信号强度(SI)、信噪比(SNR)和对比噪声比(CNR)采用配对t检验进行比较.结果 FSD-bSSFP的图像质量评分为(2.7±1.1)分,CE-MRA为(2.6±0.8)分,两种扫描序列的图像质量差异无统计学意义(Z=0.134,P＞0.05).FSD-bSSFP对足背动脉分支显示情况良好,为(3.2±0.9)分,CE-MRA为(2.5±0.9)分,两者间差异有统计学意义(Z=5.246,P＜0.05).FSD-bSSFP静脉污染为(1.8±0.4)分,CE-MRA为(2.1±0.8)分,两者间差异有统计学意义(Z=2.541,P＜0.05).FSD-bSSFP图像的SNR为148.6±26.7,CNR为88.3±19.0.3D CE-MRA图像的SNR为148.5±45.6,CNR为121.0±41.0.两者间SNR差异无统计学意义(t=0.013,P＞0.01),CE-MRA CNR高于FSD-bSSFP,差异有统计学意义(t=5.113,P＜0.05).结论 FSD-bSSFP非增强MRA可获得较好的足部动脉图像,可显示足背动脉及三级分支,为肾功能不全或其他原因不能使用对比剂的患者提供一个安全有效的补充方法.     

Free-breathing renal magnetic resonance angiography with steady-state free-precession and slab-selective spin inversion combined with radial k-space sampling and water-selective excitation.

The impact of radial k-space sampling and water-selective excitation on a novel navigator-gated cardiac-triggered slab-selective inversion prepared 3D steady-state free-precession (SSFP) renal MR angiography (MRA) sequence was investigated. Renal MRA was performed on a 1.5-T MR system using three inversion prepared SSFP approaches: Cartesian (TR/TE: 5.7/2.8 ms, FA: 85 degrees), radial (TR/TE: 5.5/2.7 ms, FA: 85 degrees) SSFP, and radial SSFP combined with water-selective excitation (TR/TE: 9.9/4.9 ms, FA: 85 degrees). Radial data acquisition lead to significantly reduced motion artifacts (P < 0.05). SNR and CNR were best using Cartesian SSFP (P < 0.05). Vessel sharpness and vessel length were comparable in all sequences. The addition of a water-selective excitation could not improve image quality. In conclusion, radial k-space sampling reduces motion artifacts significantly in slab-selective inversion prepared renal MRA, while SNR and CNR are decreased. The addition of water-selective excitation could not improve the lower CNR in radial scanning.     

Navigator-gated coronary magnetic resonance angiography using steady-state-free-precession: comparison to standard T2-prepared gradient-echo and spiral imaging

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Recent developments of magnetic resonance imaging enabled free-breathing coronary MRA (cMRA) using steady-state-free-precession (SSFP) for endogenous contrast. The purpose of this study was a systematic comparison of SSFP cMRA with standard T2-prepared gradient-echo and spiral cMRA. METHODS: Navigator-gated free-breathing T2-prepared SSFP-, T2-prepared gradient-echo- and T2-prepared spiral cMRA was performed in 18 healthy swine (45-68 kg body-weight). Image quality was investigated subjectively and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and vessel sharpness were compared. RESULTS: SSFP cMRA allowed for high quality cMRA during free breathing with substantial improvements in SNR, CNR and vessel sharpness when compared with standard T2-prepared gradient-echo imaging. Spiral imaging demonstrated the highest SNR while image quality score and vessel definition was best for SSFP imaging. CONCLUSION: Navigator-gated free-breathing T2-prepared SSFP cMRA is a promising new imaging approach for high signal and high contrast imaging of the coronary arteries with improved vessel border definition.     

Hyperpolarized 13C MR angiography using trueFISP.

A (13)C-enriched water-soluble compound (bis-1,1-(hydroxymethyl)-1-(13)C-cyclopropane-D(8)), with a (13)C-concentration of approximately 200 mM, was hyperpolarized to approximately 15% using dynamic nuclear polarization, and then used as a contrast medium (CM) for contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA). The long relaxation times (in vitro: T(1) approximately 82 s, T(2) approximately 18 s; in vivo: T(1) approximately 38 s, T(2) approximately 1.3 s) are ideal for steady-state free precession (SSFP) imaging with a true fast imaging and steady precession (trueFISP) pulse sequence. It was shown both theoretically and experimentally that the optimal flip angle was 180 degrees. CE-MRA was performed in four anesthetized live rats after intravenous injection of 3 ml CM. The angiograms covered the thoracic/abdominal region in two of the animals, and the head-neck region in the other two. Fifteen consecutive images were acquired in each experiment, with a flip-back pulse at the end of each image acquisition. In the angiograms, the vena cava (SNR approximately 240), aorta, renal arteries, carotid arteries (SNR approximately 75), jugular veins, and several other vessels were visible. The SNR in the cardiac region was 500. Magnetization was preserved from one image acquisition to the next using the flip-back technique (SNR(cardiac) approximately 10 in the 15th image).     

下肢静脉MRA的评价

目的：探讨MRA在诊断下肢深静脉狭窄和血栓形成的应用价值。材料和方法：25例临床诊断为下肢深静脉血栓形成患者，进行2DTOF法MRA检查，其中3例同时行动态增强MRA（DCEMRA）。检查范围包括下腔静脉下段至小腿静脉。25例中的18例同时行彩超检查。结果：25例MRA共显示静脉以上（包括静脉）深静脉225条，其中正常静脉76条，血栓形成32条，轻度狭窄（1－49％）50条，明显狭窄（50－99％）45条，闭塞（10％）22条。18例MRA与彩超对照可比静脉162条，彩超示正常静脉53条，异常静脉109条，二者显示一致152条，符合率为93．82％（152／162）。结论：MRA对显示下腔静脉狭窄和血栓形成的部位、范围和程序准确性较高，为临床正确诊断和治疗后随访提供了新的无损伤检查手段。     

Free-breathing 3D steady-state free precession coronary magnetic resonance angiography: comparison of diaphragm and cardiac fat navigators

PURPOSE: To compare the performance of the conventional diaphragm navigator (DNAV) and the recently developed cardiac fat navigator (FatNAV) in suppressing respiration-induced cardiac motion in free-breathing 3D balanced steady-state free precession coronary MRA (SSFP CMRA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 16 healthy volunteers the right coronary artery (RCA) was imaged at 1.5T using a navigator-gated 3D SSFP CMRA sequence. DNAV and FatNAV gating were performed in random order. Image quality difference was scored by three experienced readers blinded to the gating technique. Blood signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), blood-to-myocardium contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and navigator efficiency were calculated. RESULTS: Diagnostically interpretable CMRA was obtained successfully in all 16 subjects with FatNAV gating (0% failure rate) and only 14 subjects with DNAV gating (12% failure rate). Compared to DNAV gating, FatNAV gating provided similar SNR and CNR, better image quality (P < 0.01), and 28% improvement in navigator efficiency (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: FatNAV gating provides more effective motion suppression and better image quality than DNAV gating for free-breathing 3D SSFP CMRA of the RCA in healthy subjects.     

双时相3D SSFP 成像技术在先天性心脏病诊断中的应用初探

目的：探讨双时相三维稳态进动快速成像序列（3DSSFP）对先天心脏病的诊断价值。方法：60例平均心率108次／分的先天性心脏病患儿行收缩末期和舒张中晚期的双时相3D SSFP成像,对图像质量及对比噪声比进行分析比较。结果：心电触发收缩期延迟时间为180～300ms,平均（235．41士35．59）ms;舒张期延迟时间为384～550ms,平均（443．77土50．81）ms。3DSSFP收缩期图像上显示心内结构及肺静脉、上下腔静脉的清晰度优于舒张期,两者间图像质量的差异有统计学意义（P〈o．05）。舒张期图像上对无狭窄主动脉及肺动脉的显示清晰度高于收缩期,但两者间差异无统计学意义（P〉o．05）。收缩期图像上心内结构的对比噪声比（CNR）均高于舒张期,且两者比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。上腔静脉及下腔静脉在收缩期图像上的CNR均高于舒张期,但仅下腔静脉CNR的差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）;主动脉和肺总动脉则在舒张期图像上的CNR高于收缩期,但两者比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。伴有肺动脉辫及辫下狭窄的肺动脉分支在收缩期的显示率（39．1％）明显低于舒张期（73．9％）。结论：双时相3DSSFP综合利用收缩期和舒张期不同时相的成像优势,能更准确地诊断先天性心脏病患儿的心内及心外大血管结构的畸形。     

Contrast-enhanced peripheral MR angiography using SENSE in multiple stations: feasibility study

PURPOSE: To investigate if the use of parallel imaging is feasible and beneficial for peripheral contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 19 consecutive patients underwent peripheral CE-MRA using SENSE with two-fold reduction in the upper and lower leg stations. Conventional nonaccelerated imaging using constant level appearance (CLEAR) was used in the aortoiliac station. The findings were compared with those in a similar patient group that underwent peripheral CE-MR angiography using our standard imaging protocol without SENSE. Intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (IA-DSA) was used as the standard of reference. Lower extremity vessels were divided into anatomic segments (aortoiliac, upper legs, lower legs) for review. In each anatomic segment signal- and contrast-to-noise ratios (SNR, CNR), venous contamination, subjective image quality, as well as sensitivity and specificity, were determined for both patient groups. RESULTS: SNR and CNR improved significantly for the aortoiliac and upper leg segments (all P-values < or = 0.001). Small reductions were seen in the frequency of disturbing venous enhancement (P = not significant). There were no significant differences with regards to subjective image quality or diagnostic accuracy (all P > 0.3). Overall sensitivity and specificity in the SENSE group were 81% and 95%, respectively. For the non-SENSE group, these values were 79% and 96%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Preliminary results show that three-station peripheral CE-MRA using a full length peripheral arterial coil in combination with SENSE in the upper and lower leg stations is feasible and useful for further optimization of peripheral MRA. Using SENSE allows for routine, high-quality depiction of the entire peripheral vascular tree including the pedal arch. Higher SENSE factors are needed for further optimization.     

MRA在腹部静脉的应用

目的：评价常规ＭＲＡ和动态增强ＭＲＡ在腹部静脉检查中的价值。材料与方法：腹部静脉ＭＲＡ共５７例行５９人次检查。包括２Ｄ ＴＯＦ５１次，２Ｄ ＰＣ１９次，动态增强ＭＲＡ３０次（其中２Ｄ动态增强１０次，３Ｄ动态增强２０次）。５７例中门脉高压者１８例，布加氏综合征８例，门腔静脉分流术前或术后检查６例，原发性和转移性肝癌９例，其他病变６例，正常组１０例。结果：本组ＭＲＡ表现分别为门脉增粗和静脉曲张；下腔静     

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.     

Stenting of the Superior Vena Cava and Left Brachiocephalic Vein with Preserving the Central Venous Catheter in Situ

Stenting of the central veins is well established for treating localized venous stenosis. The techniques regarding catheter preservation for central venous catheters in the superior vena cava have been described. We describe here a method for stent implantation in the superior vena cava and the left brachiocephalic vein, and principally via a single jugular venous puncture, while saving a left sided jugular central venous catheter in a patient suffering from central venous stenosis of the superior vena cava and the left brachiocephalic vein.     

Three-dimensional breathhold SSFP coronary MRA: a comparison between 1.5T and 3.0T

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility of three-dimensional breathhold coronary magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) at 3.0T using the steady-state free precession (SSFP) sequence, and quantify the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) gains of coronary MRA from 1.5T to 3.0T using whole-body and phased-array cardiac coils as the signal receiver. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight healthy volunteers were scanned on 1.5T and 3.0T whole-body systems using the SSFP sequence. Numerical simulations were performed for the SSFP sequence to optimize the flip angle and predict signal enhancement from 1.5T to 3.0T. Coronary artery images were acquired with the whole-body coil in transmit-receive mode or transmit-only with phased-array cardiac coil receivers. RESULTS: In vivo studies of the same volunteer group at both field strengths showed increases of 87% in SNR and 83% in CNR from 1.5T to 3.0T using a whole-body coil as the signal receiver. The corresponding increases using phased-array receivers were 53% in SNR and 92% in CNR. However, image quality at 3.0T was more variable than 1.5T, with increased susceptibility artifacts and local brightening as the result of increased B(0) and B(1) inhomogeneities. CONCLUSION: Coronary MRA at 3.0T using a three-dimensional breathhold SSFP sequence is feasible. Improved SNR at 3.0T warrants the use of coronary MRA with faster acquisition and/or improved spatial resolution. Further investigations are required to improve the consistency of image quality and signal uniformity at 3.0T.     

3D CE-MRA在评价腹部静脉系统中的应用

目的探讨三维增强磁共振血管成像（3DCE—MRA）技术在腹部静脉系统中的应用价值。方法收集具有完整资料的16例病例，先行常规MRI检查，随后经静脉注射Gd—DTPA20—30mL后连续三次行3DCE—MRA采集数据，对静脉系统原始图像进行MIP重建。主要观察指标为下腔静脉、脾静脉、肝静脉、肠系膜上静脉、门静脉形态变化。结果16例患者中，门腔静脉正常者9例，3DCE—MRA清晰显示下腔静脉、肝静脉、脾静脉、肠系膜上静脉、门静脉结构；门静脉高压3例，示脾静脉增宽迂曲，门静脉主干增宽及明显侧支循环形成；2例布加氏综合征；1例下腔静脉血栓形成；1例门静脉海绵样改变。结论3DCE—MRA是一种安全、敏感性高的血管造影技术，可提高腹部静脉系统疾病的术前诊断。     

非增强MRA诊断糖尿病下肢血管病变的临床价值

目的:评价基于血流敏感散相(FSD)和平衡稳态自由进动(bSSFP)技术的非增强磁共振血管成像(NC-MRA)诊断糖尿病下肢动脉病变的临床价值.方法:42例糖尿病患者在临床常规下肢动脉增强磁共振血管成像(CE-MRA)检查之前进行非增强磁共振血管成像(NC-MRA),扫描范围为双侧小腿,包括胫前动脉、胫后动脉及腓动脉3...     

SPIO-enhanced 2D-TOF MR angiography of the portal venous system: Results of an intraindividual comparison

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether MR angiography (MRA) of the portal venous system may be improved by means of superparamagnetic iron oxides (SPIOs) during accumulation phase imaging and to study the underlying contrast mechanisms. MRA of the portal venous system was performed on 48 patients before and after intravenous injection of a new SPIO (Resovist, Schering AG, Berlin, Germany). Resovist, as a predominantly liver parenchymal darkening agent on T2-weighted MR images with uptake into the reticuloendothelial cell system, was administered intravenously by bolus injection of 8 to 12 μmol Fe/kg body weight. Patients were scanned with breath-hold coronal and axial two-dimensional (2D) time of flight (TOF) MRA (TR = 31.0 msec, TE = 9.8 msec, flip angle (FA) = 50°, and 6.9-second acquisition time per section) sequences. Signal intensity values of liver parenchyma, the portal venous system, and background were obtained for quantitative analysis. The clinical relevance of additional plain and contrast-enhanced MRA studies for surgical planning was assessed by independent reading of three readers. Liver signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) significantly decreased following iv injection of Resovist; however, SNR values of the portal veins or hepatic veins did not change significantly. Visibility of the portal venous system improved significantly (tertiary branches visible: pre in 15.2% versus post in 87.0% of patients). Resovist-enhanced 2D-TOF MRA may improve planning of liver resections by better demonstrating the relationship of central liver lesions and vessels on source images. The decrease in liver SNR at a constant vessel SNR after iv injection of Resovist improves MRA of the liver. SPIO-enhanced 2D-TOF MRA scans are superior to plain 2D-TOF MRA studies and may be added for the workup of preoperative patients.     

Infragenual cuff-compression reduces venous contamination in contrast-enhanced MR angiography of the calf

PURPOSE: To reduce venous contamination at the calf level in three-dimensional contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) by applying continuous infragenual cuff-compression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients with clinically relevant peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) underwent dynamic three-dimensional CE-MRA of the calf. Six consecutive measurements were acquired with the first measurement serving as mask. Cuff-compression of 50 mmHg was attached below the knee. To allow intra-individual comparison, compression was applied unilaterally. The cuff was inflated three minutes before scanning and was continued throughout the MRA session. Venous contamination and arterial visualization scores were ranked using a five-point rating scale. Contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) of superficial enhancing calf-veins on the uncompressed and compressed calf sides were evaluated. An asymmetry index (AI) defined by CNR(mean) (uncompressed)/CNR(mean) (compressed) was introduced to describe the ratio in venous contrast agent supply between both sides quantitatively. RESULTS: Three-dimensional CE-MRA of the calves demonstrated significantly lower superficial venous contamination scores (P < 0.004) and clearly improved arterial visualization (P < 0.009) on the compressed side. Additionally, AI values were larger than 1 (P < 0.02), indicating a higher contrast agent supply in the superficial veins on the uncompressed side. CONCLUSION: Infragenual cuff-compression minimizes venous overlay in three-dimensional CE-MRA at calf level by reduction of contrast agent supply in the superficial veins.     

磁共振B-TFE技术肾动脉成像与CE-MRA对照

目的：探讨磁共振三维平衡式快速场梯度回波（B-TFE）技术非对比剂血管成像在肾动脉成像中的临床应用价值。方法：选择17例临床怀疑有肾动脉狭窄的患者行B-TFE和CE-MRA检查;B-TFE组并行采集加速因子取值为1和2。B-TFE组在横轴面图像上测量双侧肾动脉在不同加速因子时的信号噪声比（SNR）、肾动脉与肾周脂肪的对比噪声比（CNR）,CE-MRA组在冠状面图像上分别测量肾动脉的SNR和CNR。所有原始数据经三维MIP重组后由两位放射科医师对肾动脉三维图像质量、肾动脉狭窄程度、肾动脉分支显示及肾静脉伪影等情况进行评分。测量数据和图像评分进行统计学处理。结果：B-TFE组加速因子为1时图像的SNR为118.0±25.1（左）和105.9±29.1（右）,CNR为103.7±33.5（左）和93.1±26.5（右）;B-TFE组加速因子为2时SNR为93.5±23.1（左）和81.5±31.7（右）,CNR为83.1±34.5（左）和69.8±28.8（右）。CE-MRA组肾动脉的SNR为103.8±31.5（左）和93.1±40.8（右）,CNR为88.7±30.1（左）和79.7±38.6（右）。组内和组间SNR及CNR差异均无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。B-TFE图像上肾动脉分支的显示情况好、肾静脉伪影较CE-MRA小,2组间肾动脉三维图像质量、狭窄程度的显示无明显差异。结论：3DB-TFE肾动脉成像技术具有较高的图像信噪比和对比噪声比,可以作为一种新的无创性磁共振血管成像技术应用于肾动脉成像。