Navigator-gated free-breathing 3D balanced FFE projection renal MRA: Comparison with contrast-enhanced breath-hold 3D MRA in a swine model.
A cardiac-triggered, free-breathing, 3D balanced FFE projection renal MR angiography (MRA) technique with a 2D pencil beam aortic labeling pulse for selective aortic spin tagging was developed. For respiratory motion artifact suppression during free breathing, a prospective real-time navigator was implemented for renal MRA. Images obtained with the new approach were compared with standard contrast-enhanced (CE) 3D breath-hold MRA in seven swine. Signal properties and vessel visualization were analyzed. With the presented technique, high-resolution, high-contrast renal projection MRA with superior vessel length visualization (including a greater visible number of distal branches of the renal arteries) compared to standard breath-hold CE-MRA was obtained. The present results warrant clinical studies in patients with renal artery disease.
D000818:Animals; D016477:Artifacts; D003287:Contrast Media; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D009068:Movement; D012077:Renal Artery / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D012119:Respiration; D013113:Spin Labels; D013552:Swine
D003287:Contrast Media; D013113:Spin Labels