title: MR coronary angiography using 3D-SSFP with and without contrast application.
abstract: We compared the performance of a contrast-enhanced with a non-contrast breath-hold 3D-SSFP-sequence for Magnetic Resonance Coronary Angiography in seven healthy subjects and 14 patients. Visibility of coronary segments, vessel length, image quality and the influence of an extracellular contrast agent (Gadolinium-DTPA) were assessed. Overall, the performance of the sequence was better in healthy subjects than in patients. Although the application of Gadolinium-DTPA increased the contrast-to-noise-ratio of the right coronary artery, the overall performance was not significantly improved. We conclude that a 3D-SSFP-technique depicts extensive parts of the coronary arteries and does not require contrast application.
authors.affiliation: Franz-Volhard-Klinik, Helios-Klinikum Berlin, Kardiologie, Charité Campus Berlin-Buch, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany. zagrosek@fvk.charite-buch.de
authors.forename: Anja
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zagrosek
authors.forename: Ralph
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Noeske
authors.forename: Hassan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Abdel-Aty
authors.forename: Matthias G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Friedrich
authors.forename: Rainer
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dietz
authors.forename: Jeanette
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schulz-Menger
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015986:Confounding Factors, Epidemiologic; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000379:methods; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012119:Respiration; D013318:Stroke Volume
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA