Magnetic resonance angiography of chest and abdomen at 3 T.
During the past decade, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) has been proven to be a powerful tool to visualize the thoracoabdominal vasculature and, consequently, has become a widely accepted noninvasive imaging modality. With the more recent introduction of high-field whole-body magnetic resonance scanners, a further improvement of diagnostic accuracy can be expected. General considerations for performing high-resolution CE-MRA at higher field strength include the benefits of higher signal-to-noise ratio and an improved contrast between vascular and background tissues. Although there are many positive attributes for performing CE-MRA at 3 T, there are also some tradeoffs, such as static magnetic field inhomogeneity and increase in specific absorption rate. This review describes the main technical innovations of advanced CE-MRA techniques at 3 T, illustrated by characteristic cases.
Kramer
Ulrich
U
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Tuebingen, Germany. ulrich.kramer@med.uni-tuebingen.de
Nael
Kambiz
K
Fenchel
Michael
M
Miller
Stephan
S
D000005:Abdomen / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology*; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D013909:Thorax / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology*; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*
D003287:Contrast Media