MR angiography in the evaluation of atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease.
Magnetic resonance (MR) angiography of lower extremity occlusive vascular disease has evolved into a feasible diagnostic imaging option. The previous emphasis on time-of-flight techniques was associated with lengthy acquisition times and artifactual signal losses. Those limitations presented an obstacle to widespread clinical implementation. However, the emergence of rapid imaging sequences combined with gadolinium chelate enhancement offers time-efficient alternatives that can yield a truer representation of the vascular anatomic structure. The technology is now poised to serve as a routine screening study, provided that radiologists understand all factors needed to generate clinically relevant MR angiograms. This article is intended to provide a useful resource directed toward achieving that understanding.
Rofsky
N M
NM
Department of Radiology, New York University Medical Center, MRI-Basement, Schwartz Bldg, 530 First Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA. rofsky@mri.med.nyu.edu
Adelman
M A
MA
D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016477:Artifacts; D003287:Contrast Media; D005682:Gadolinium; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods; D008403:Mass Screening; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013997:Time Factors
D003287:Contrast Media; D005682:Gadolinium