Advances in vascular echoplanar imaging.

Magnetic resonance (MR) angiography is emerging as an increasingly useful tool for the noninvasive evaluation of the cardiovascular system. Ultrafast echoplanar imaging (EPI) data acquisition strategies are becoming more widely available. When applied to MR angiography, the associated reduction in data collection time allows breathheld acquisitions of entire vascular territories, as well as the exploitation of short-lived flow-enhancing measures. This paper describes technical aspects of EPI, its implementation into vascular imaging sequences, and associated artifacts. This is followed by a discussion of potential EPI MRA applications in the carotid and renal arteries, the portal venous system, and arteries and veins of the lower leg.