Sensitivity encoding (SENSE) for contrast-enhanced 3D MR angiography of the abdominal arteries.
OBJECTIVE
To assess sensitivity encoding (SENSE) for contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) of the abdominal arteries in comparison with standard MRA protocols.


METHODS
In 22 patients MRA of the abdominal arteries was performed twice (once using a standard protocol, and once with the additional use of SENSE). In 10 patients all examination parameters were kept constant (TR/TE/FA = 3.8 msec/1.3 msec/30 degrees ), and a reduction in scan time from 22 to 11 seconds was realized with the use of SENSE. In 12 patients, using SENSE the acquisition matrix was increased from 208 to 416, keeping the scan time constant. Image quality was scored on a five-point scale by three radiologists. Additionally, ROI-based measurements of CNR were performed.


RESULTS
For both protocols, image quality was significantly improved using SENSE. The time-reducing SENSE protocol yielded an average score of 4.2 points vs. 3.1 for the standard protocol. Using SENSE to increase the acquisition matrix, an average score of 4.3 was reached vs. 3.2 for the standard protocol (P < 0.05). The number of depictable small vessels and their bifurcations was significantly increased by either of the two SENSE protocols as compared to the standard imaging procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
SENSE for MRA of the abdominal arteries significantly increases image quality and permits a substantial reduction in breath-hold time or a significantly improved spatial resolution.
Born
Markus
M
Department of Radiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany. mark.born@ukb.uni-bonn.de
Willinek
Winfried A
WA
Gieseke
Jürgen
J
von Falkenhausen
Marcus
M
Schild
Hans
H
Kuhl
Christiane K
CK
D000005:Abdomen / Q000098:blood supply*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D003287:Contrast Media