Contrast-enhanced peripheral MR angiography using SENSE in multiple stations: feasibility study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate if the use of parallel imaging is feasible and beneficial for peripheral contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA).


METHODS
A total of 19 consecutive patients underwent peripheral CE-MRA using SENSE with two-fold reduction in the upper and lower leg stations. Conventional nonaccelerated imaging using constant level appearance (CLEAR) was used in the aortoiliac station. The findings were compared with those in a similar patient group that underwent peripheral CE-MR angiography using our standard imaging protocol without SENSE. Intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (IA-DSA) was used as the standard of reference. Lower extremity vessels were divided into anatomic segments (aortoiliac, upper legs, lower legs) for review. In each anatomic segment signal- and contrast-to-noise ratios (SNR, CNR), venous contamination, subjective image quality, as well as sensitivity and specificity, were determined for both patient groups.


RESULTS
SNR and CNR improved significantly for the aortoiliac and upper leg segments (all P-values < or = 0.001). Small reductions were seen in the frequency of disturbing venous enhancement (P = not significant). There were no significant differences with regards to subjective image quality or diagnostic accuracy (all P > 0.3). Overall sensitivity and specificity in the SENSE group were 81% and 95%, respectively. For the non-SENSE group, these values were 79% and 96%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Preliminary results show that three-station peripheral CE-MRA using a full length peripheral arterial coil in combination with SENSE in the upper and lower leg stations is feasible and useful for further optimization of peripheral MRA. Using SENSE allows for routine, high-quality depiction of the entire peripheral vascular tree including the pedal arch. Higher SENSE factors are needed for further optimization.
de Vries
Marianne
M
Department of Radiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University Hospital, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Nijenhuis
Robbert J
RJ
Hoogeveen
Romhild M
RM
de Haan
Michiel W
MW
van Engelshoven
Jos M A
JM
Leiner
Tim
T
D000368:Aged; D003287:Contrast Media; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA