[MR venography of the deep leg veins: signal enhancement by volume infusion].
OBJECTIVE
To enhance flow signals in the deep veins of the lower extremity by means of a drip infusion.


METHODS
Saline solution and diluted contrast media were consecutively administered in 8 healthy volunteers by drip infusion (3 ml/min) via the cubital vein. Imaging of the deep veins in both legs was performed using a gradient echo sequence with flow compensation. Changes of the intravascular signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) were correlated with the duration of the drip infusion.


RESULTS
Improved SNR were detected in each level examined in both thigh and calf. SNR increases up to 157% were opposed to decreases of less than 16%. The average rise of SNR was up to 55% in the calf veins.


CONCLUSIONS
Saline drip infusion is a simple and valuable method for enhancement of venous flow signals and should be administered routinely in time-of-flight venographies.
König
C W
CW
Radiologische Klinik, Abteilung Radiologische Diagnostik, Eberhard-Karls-Universität, Tübingen.
Kaiser
W A
WA
D000328:Adult; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D005682:Gadolinium / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007552:Isotonic Solutions; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004369:Pentetic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000175:diagnosis; D013997:Time Factors; D014680:Veins / Q000473:pathology
D003287:Contrast Media; D007552:Isotonic Solutions; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D004369:Pentetic Acid; D005682:Gadolinium; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA
MR-Venographie der tiefen Beinvenen: Signalsteigerung durch Volumeninfusion.