Abstract
Purpose: To assess the feasibility of intra- arterial magnetic resonance angiography ( iaMRA) with two different protocols. Material and Methods: Twenty patients were prospectively examined after digital subtraction angiography. Contrast- enhanced iaMRA was performed using a 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI) system. Contrast agent ( gadodiamide) was injected through a conventional ...
Abstract
Purpose: To assess the feasibility of intra- arterial magnetic resonance angiography ( iaMRA) with two different protocols. Material and Methods: Twenty patients were prospectively examined after digital subtraction angiography. Contrast- enhanced iaMRA was performed using a 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI) system. Contrast agent ( gadodiamide) was injected through a conventional angiography catheter placed in the abdominal aorta. The patients were randomized into two groups each comprising 10 patients. Group 1 was examined with a FLASH- 3D ( fast low- angle shot) sequence, allowing the center of the k-space to be acquired 0.5 s after initiation of the measurement. Group 2 was examined with the identical sequence, but the center of the k- space was acquired after 8.7 s. The increase in the intravascular signal intensity was determined and the diagnostic value of the angiograms was independently scored by 4 investigators using a 5- point scale. Results: Nineteen of 20 MRAs were scored as diagnostic; only 1 was scored as nondiagnostic by 2 observers. The diagnostic value of the angiograms of group 2 was judged superior to that of group 1 owing to a more homogeneous intravascular contrast distribution. Conclusion: Intra- arterial MRA is feasible. The diagnostic value of angiograms using a flash sequence with center of the k- space acquisition after 8.7 s ranged from good to excellent. This sequence is appropriate for iaMRA of iliac arteries to support MR guided intervention.
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