Local re-inversion coronary MR angiography: arterial spin-labeling without the need for subtraction.
OBJECTIVE
To implement a double-inversion bright-blood coronary MR angiography sequence using a cylindrical re-inversion prepulse for selective visualization of the coronary arteries.


METHODS
Local re-inversion bright-blood magnetization preparation was implemented using a nonselective inversion followed by a cylindrical aortic re-inversion prepulse. After an inversion delay that allows for in-flow of the labeled blood-pool into the coronary arteries, three-dimensional radial steady-state free-precession (SSFP) imaging (repetition/echo time, 7.2/3.6 ms; flip angle, 120 degrees, 16 profiles per RR interval; field of view, 360 mm; matrix, 512, twelve 3-mm slices) is performed. Coronary MR angiography was performed in three healthy volunteers and in one patient on a commercial 1.5 Tesla whole-body MR System.


RESULTS
In all subjects, coronary arteries were selectively visualized with positive contrast. In addition, a middle-grade stenosis of the proximal right coronary artery was seen in one patient.


CONCLUSIONS
A novel T1 contrast-enhancement strategy is presented for selective visualization of the coronary arteries without extrinsic contrast medium application. In comparison to former arterial spin-labeling schemes, the proposed magnetization preparation obviates the need for a second data set and subtraction.
Katoh
Marcus
M
Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Saarland, Homburg, Germany. marcus.katoh@uniklinikum-saarland.de
Spuentrup
Elmar
E
Barmet
Christoph
C
Stuber
Matthias
M
D000328:Adult; D003326:Coronary Circulation; D023921:Coronary Stenosis / Q000175:diagnosis; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D008875:Middle Aged; D013113:Spin Labels; D013382:Subtraction Technique
D013113:Spin Labels