Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging of the portal venous system: comparison with x-ray angiography.
OBJECTIVE
To compare dynamic contrast material--enhanced multisection magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with x-ray angiography in the evaluation of the portal venous system.


METHODS
Eighteen patients underwent preoperative x-ray angiography and dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging. MR imaging was performed at 1.0 T with a multisection breath-hold fast low-angle shot (FLASH) technique in the coronal-oblique plane, before and after injection of a bolus of gadopentetate dimeglumine. The portal vein, its right and left intrahepatic branches, the splenic veins, and the superior mesenteric veins were examined. The presence of varices was also assessed.


RESULTS
Of the 84 vessels evaluated with both techniques, appearances were similar in 76 (90%). Both examinations showed the main portal vein to be patent in nine patients, occluded in five, and patent but abnormal in two. Findings in the main portal vein were discordant in two patients. In one patient, surgical follow-up helped confirm the findings at MR imaging.


CONCLUSIONS
MR imaging can replace x-ray angiography in the preoperative evaluation of portal vein patency in most patients.
Rodgers
P M
PM
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Unit, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom.
Ward
J
J
Baudouin
C J
CJ
Ridgway
J P
JP
Robinson
P J
PJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003287:Contrast Media; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008536:Meglumine; D008875:Middle Aged; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D004369:Pentetic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D011169:Portal Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D011859:Radiography; D013162:Splenic Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology
D003287:Contrast Media; D004338:Drug Combinations; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D008536:Meglumine; D004369:Pentetic Acid; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA