[Three-dimensional contrast-enhanced MR angiography].

INTRODUCTION

Three-dimensional contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (3D CE MRA) is an increasingly important tool in modern noninvasive vascular imaging. MR angiography has rapidly advanced in the past few years making vascular imaging throughout the body safer and more accurate.

AIM

The authors analyse the diagnostic and clinical value of the method based on their own experience and guidelines given by the literature. This article describes the basic technical principles of 3D CE MRA, and gives a short overview of the usefulness of this technique investigating vascular diseases.

METHOD

Between August 17, 1999 and September 28, 2001 the authors performed eighty nine contrast-enhanced MR angiography with a 1.5 T scanner. Contrast material was administered intravenuosly with a power injector. The most frequent examinations included imaging of the aorta, supraaortic and renal arteries.

RESULT

82 technically successful angiography was performed. The images could not be evaluated due to poor quality in 5 cases and failure in 2 cases. MR angiographic images provided adequate spatial resolution within single breathhold.

CONCLUSION

The time-of-flight and phase contrast MR angiographic techniques have been replaced in most vascular territories by the contrast-enhanced method. With future technical developments greater spatial and temporal resolution will become possible, thus increasing the usefulness of 3D CE MR angiography. In the near future this method of imaging will become the method of choice in the investigation of the arterial system, and in some special cases of the venous system.