[Non-contrast-enhanced MR angiography for selective visualization of the hepatic vein].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of non-contrast-enhanced MR angiography (NCE-MRA) in the preoperative assessment of hepatic vein.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA)and NCE-MRA were performed on ten patients with hepatic cirrhosis and twelve potential living liver donors with the same 1. 5T MR scanner. The anatomic angiographic images were reconstructed and reviewed by two radiologists independently. The quality of the images of hepatic vein vessels was rated with a four point scale.

RESULTS

After consensus reading, 19 NCE-MRA images (86.4%) and 20 CE-MRA images (90.9%) scored more than 3 point, respectively. The segmental branch vessels were visualized on MR angiography in the majority of cases. Both NCE-MRA and CE-MRA correctly characterized 20 out of 22 hepatic veins without false positive reporting. The NCE-MRA reported two false negative cases. There were no statistically significant differences between NCE-MRA and CE-MRA for the characterization of hepatic vasculature (P > 0.05). High consistency was achieved between the two reviewers, with Kappa values over 0.75.

CONCLUSION

NCE-MRA is a non-invasive and effective method for the comprehensive assessment of hepatic vein.