Non-contrast enhanced MR venography using 3D fresh blood imaging (FBI): initial experience.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined the efficacy of 3D-fresh blood imaging (FBI) in patients with venous disease in the iliac region to lower extremity.


METHODS
Fourteen patients with venous disease were examined [8 deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and 6 varix] by 3D-FBI and 2D-TOF MRA. All FBI images and 2D-TOF images were evaluated in terms of visualization of the disease and compared with conventional X-ray venography (CV).


RESULTS
The total scan time of 3D-FBI ranged from 3 min 24 sec to 4 min 52 sec. 3D-FBI was positive in all 23 anatomical levels in which DVT was diagnosed by CV (100% sensitivity) as well as 2D-TOF. The delineation of collateral veins was superior or equal to that of 2D-TOF. 3D-FBI allowed depiction of varices in five of six cases; however, in one case, the evaluation was limited because the separation of arteries from veins was difficult.


CONCLUSIONS
The 3D-FBI technique, which allows iliac to peripheral MR venography without contrast medium within a short acquisition time, is considered clinically useful.
Yokoyama
K
K
Department of Radiology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Nitatori
T
T
Inaoka
S
S
Takahara
T
T
Hachiya
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013997:Time Factors; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000175:diagnosis*; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000175:diagnosis*