Intra-arterial magnetic resonance angiography of the iliac arteries: clinical experience using two different protocols.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the feasibility of intra-arterial magnetic resonance angiography (iaMRA) with two different protocols.


METHODS
Twenty patients were prospectively examined after digital subtraction angiography. Contrast-enhanced iaMRA was performed using a 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. Contrast agent (gadodiamide) was injected through a conventional angiography catheter placed in the abdominal aorta. The patients were randomized into two groups each comprising 10 patients. Group 1 was examined with a FLASH-3D (fast low-angle shot) sequence, allowing the center of the k-space to be acquired 0.5 s after initiation of the measurement. Group 2 was examined with the identical sequence, but the center of the k-space was acquired after 8.7 s. The increase in the intravascular signal intensity was determined and the diagnostic value of the angiograms was independently scored by 4 investigators using a 5-point scale.


RESULTS
Nineteen of 20 MRAs were scored as diagnostic; only 1 was scored as non-diagnostic by 2 observers. The diagnostic value of the angiograms of group 2 was judged superior to that of group 1 owing to a more homogeneous intravascular contrast distribution.


CONCLUSIONS
Intra-arterial MRA is feasible. The diagnostic value of angiograms using a flash sequence with center of the k-space acquisition after 8.7 s ranged from good to excellent. This sequence is appropriate for iaMRA of iliac arteries to support MR guided intervention.
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital of Regensburg, Germany. cp2002@t-online.de
C
C
Paetzel
N
N
Zorger
M
M
Völk
T
T
Herold
J
J
Seitz
W R
WR
Nitz
S
S
Feuerbach
O
O
Hamer
M
M
Lenhart
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction / Q000379:methods; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D007083:Iliac Artery / Q000473:pathology*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*
D003287:Contrast Media; C064925:gadodiamide; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA