Optimization of 3D-variable refocusing flip angle RARE imaging for high-resolution volumetric black-blood angiography.
3D rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement or turbo spin-echo sequence is promising for black-blood angiography. In this paper, we propose a new scheme of sequence parameter optimization for "flow-void enhanced" volumetric black-blood angiography. Although black-blood imaging has numerous applications, we focused on the carotid artery in this study. All experiments were performed on a 3.0-T imager. The methods used were a flow phantom study and a volunteer study. From the results, the optimal parameters for black-blood angiography were the use of very-low refocusing flip angles, use of a "90° + α/2" refocusing flip angle sweep, and "flow sensitization" at the "in-plane flow" situational imaging plane. This sequence can be used for 3D volumetric black-blood angiography and vessel wall imaging.
Yaesu Clinic, C-road Bldg 4F, 2-1-18 Nihonbashi, Tokyo, Japan. yoneyama@m-satellite.jp
Masami
M
Yoneyama
Masanobu
M
Nakamura
Takashi
T
Tabuchi
Atsushi
A
Takemura
Makoto
M
Obara
D000792:Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging