title: [Simulation study of scan timing in three-dimensional contrast-enhanced MR angiography].
abstract: In our study of three-dimensional contrast-enhanced MR angiography, we performed a computer simulation to quantitatively investigate vessel visibility according to scan timing. To construct the simulated MR images, we varied the position (scan timing) and range (enhancement-duration) of k-space data assumed to be acquired during contrast enhancement. In the present study, either the sequential or centric phase-encoding order in k(y) and k(z) on k-space was assumed to be used. When scan timing was shifted from the optimal timing, the visibility of thick vessels decreased, and the signal intensity in thin vessels was higher than that in thick vessels. We found that the appropriate setting of scan timing was an important factor in the visibility of thick vessels. Meanwhile, we also noted that extending the enhancement-duration (or shortening the scan time) could increase the visibility of thin vessels. Our results and the simple technique used for simulation are considered to be useful for the study of three-dimensional contrast-enhanced MR angiography.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiological Technology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Niigata University.
authors.forename: Masaki
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ohkubo
authors.forename: Yukio
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ohgoshi
authors.forename: Tomoko
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Inoue
authors.forename: Kenichi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Naito
authors.forename: Yuhko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yagishita
authors.forename: Du-Yih
authors.initials: DY
authors.lastname: Tsai
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media