Optimized visualization of vessels in contrast enhanced intracranial MR angiography

Abstract

In this study, the problem of small vessel visualization in magnetic resonance angiography is addressed. The loss of vessel contrast due to slow flow-related signal saturation can be compensated by the T1 reduction obtained from the use of an MR contrast agent, such as Gd-DTPA. The vessel/background signal-difference-to-noise ratio (SDNR) is shown to strongly depend on the imaging parameters, as well as on the time course of the blood T1 values obtained from the contrast injection. Specifically, it was found that vessel SDNR increases almost linearly with TR, if the sampling bandwidth is reduced proportionately.

Contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance angiography of the iliac arteries: Optimization by injection simulation

“…This is in agreement with Parker et al (17), but the loss in CNR associated with TR reduction is enhanced in our simulation because the CA recirculation is taken into account. The main advantages of increasing the repetition rate (particularly with elliptic and centric k-space coverage) are in detecting arterial enhancement before the venous enhancement takes place and performing breath-holding during the data collection (at least around the k-space center).…”

Theoretical limits of spatial resolution in elliptical-centric contrast-enhanced 3D-MRA

“…Although this analysis did not directly address SNR penalties that would result from reduced TR and sparser sampling as a consequence of FOV reduction, this has been considered by others (35)(36)(37)(38). It is interesting to note that the peak value of the PSF depends on the inverse of TR and the phase encoding FOVs (Eq.…”

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assessment of Carotid Artery Dissection

“…CE-MRA has been shown to be a very fast alternative to conventional angiography in patients with carotid artery disease [16]. Images are acquired within 20 s in the arterial phase of the first pass of a contrast bolus.…”