Thoracic MR aortography: imaging techniques and strategies.
Three-dimensional (3D) gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) angiography is a promising technique for thoracic aortography that complements electrocardiographically gated T1-weighted spin-echo imaging and cine MR imaging. Axial and left anterior oblique T1-weighted spin-echo images are well suited to measurement of aortic dimensions and evaluation of aortic aneurysms. Sagittal and coronal spin-echo images are helpful in evaluation of vascular rings and aortic dissection. Cine gradient-echo and cine phase-contrast imaging allow dynamic evaluation of aortic and valvular flow. Cine phase-contrast imaging also enables noninvasive quantification of blood flow. Capable of being performed during a single breath hold, 3D gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography provides high-resolution 3D data that can be readily used for projection angiography and multiplanar reformation. This technique enables further demonstration of subtle pathologic conditions. Three-dimensional gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography allows more comprehensive and efficient evaluation of the thoracic aorta.
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Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799, USA.
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D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000784:Aortic Dissection / Q000175:diagnosis; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000473:pathology*; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000175:diagnosis; D001017:Aortic Coarctation / Q000175:diagnosis; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002648:Child; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D005682:Gadolinium; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D019028:Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cine; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D003287:Contrast Media; D005682:Gadolinium