Two-dimensional magnetic resonance digital subtraction angiography using array spatial sensitivity encoding techniques in the assessment of intracranial hemodynamics.
OBJECTIVE
Array spatial sensitivity encoding techniques (ASSET) were employed to improve the temporal resolution of two-dimensional (2D) thick-slice contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance digital subtraction angiography (MRDSA).


METHODS
2D MRDSA using ASSET was performed in 28 patients via fast spoiled gradient-echo sequence (TR/TE 5.4/1.5 ms; FA 60; FOV 24x24 cm; matrix size 256x256; slicethickness 50-70 mm), followed by a bolus injection of gadolinium chelate and subsequent saline flush, for 40 seconds on a sagittal plane. Images were evaluated for visualization of normal intracranial vessels and brain lesions utilizing a three-point scale; additionally, in 10 of the 28 patients, results were compared with those of conventional 2D MRDSA.


RESULTS
2D MRDSA using ASSET, which improved temporal resolution from 1.45 to 0.77 seconds, displayed image quality comparable to that of conventional 2D MRDSA. Moreover, this technique afforded superior detectability with respect to early venous filling in patients with arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).


CONCLUSIONS
ASSET improves the temporal resolution of 2D MRDSA without compromising spatial resolution.
Mori
Harushi
H
Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Japan.
Aoki
Shigeki
S
Masumoto
Tomohiko
T
Yoshikawa
Takeharu
T
Tago
Masao
M
Shin
Masahiro
M
Ohtomo
Kuni
K
Kabasawa
Hiroyuki
H
D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D002536:Cerebral Arteries / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000473:pathology; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation; D003287:Contrast Media; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D002538:Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000473:pathology; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D013382:Subtraction Technique
D003287:Contrast Media