Three-dimensional magnetic resonance coronary angiography using a new blood pool contrast agent: initial experience.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this feasibility study was to assess the effect of a new blood pool contrast agent on magnetic resonance coronary angiography (MRCA) in patients suspected of having coronary artery disease.


METHODS
Nine patients referred for diagnostic x-ray coronary angiography in the evaluation of chest pain underwent MRCA using a thin-slab three-dimensional (3D) breath-hold segmented gradient echo technique at 1.5 T before and after intravenous administration of feruglose, a new blood pool contrast agent.


RESULTS
A total of 36 coronary arteries, including 15 stenoses were evaluated. Overall agreement of visually assessed stenoses > 50% was 86%. The mean signal-to-noise ratio in the left anterior descending artery (LAD) did not change significantly after contrast administration, a relative improvement of 1.2 +/- 0.4 (p = 0.1), whereas the mean contrast-to-noise ratio of blood to myocardium improved by 3 +/- 2 (p = 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
A thin-slab 3D breath-hold scan combined with feruglose allows rapid localization and coverage of the proximal coronary arteries.
Bedaux
Willemijn L F
WL
Department of Cardiology, Vrije Universiteit Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. wlf.bedaux@vumc.nl
Hofman
Mark B M
MB
Wielopolski
Piotr A
PA
de Cock
Carel C
CC
Hoffmann
Volker
V
Oudkerk
Matthijs
M
de Feyter
Pim J
PJ
van Rossum
Albert C
AC
D000368:Aged; D003287:Contrast Media; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000473:pathology; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D007501:Iron; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010087:Oxides
D003287:Contrast Media; D010087:Oxides; D007501:Iron