title: Vena cava 3D contrast-enhanced MR venography: a pictorial review.
abstract: Three-dimensional contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance venography (CE MRV) is a sensitive and accurate method for diagnosing vena cava pathologies. The commonly used indirect approach involves a nondiluted gadolinium contrast agent injected into an upper limb vein or, occasionally, a pedal vein for assessment of the superior or inferior vena cava. In our studies, a coronal 3D fast multi-planar spoiled gradient-echo acquisition was used. A pre-contrast scan was obtained to ensure correct coverage of the region of interest. We initiated contrast-enhanced acquisition 15 sec after the start of contrast agent injection and performed the procedure twice. The image sets were obtained during two 20-30-sec breath hold, with a breathing rest of 5-6 sec, to obtain the first-pass and delayed arteriovenous phases. For patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome, a third acquisition coinciding with late venous phase was collected to visualize the hepatic veins, which was carried out by one additional acquisition after a 5-6-sec breathing time. This review describes the clinical application of 3D CE MRV in vena cava congenital anomalies, superior and inferior vena cava syndrome, Budd-Chiari syndrome, peripheral vein thrombosis extending to the vena cava, pre-operational evaluation in portosystemic shunting and post-surgical follow-up, and road-mapping for the placement and evaluation of complications of central venous devices.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
authors.forename: Jiang
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Kang-Rong
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Zu-Wang
authors.initials: ZW
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Jian-Hua
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Zi-Ping
authors.initials: ZP
authors.lastname: Yan
authors.forename: Yi-Xiang J
authors.initials: YX
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006502:Budd-Chiari Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008488:Medical Illustration; D008875:Middle Aged; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D014684:Venae Cavae / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA