Sequence comparison for non-enhanced MRA of the lower extremity arteries at 7 Tesla.
In this study three sequences for non-contrast-enhanced MRA of the lower extremity arteries at 7T were compared. Cardiac triggering was used with the aim to reduce signal variations in the arteries. Two fast single-shot 2D sequences, a modified Ultrafast Spoiled Gradient Echo (UGRE) sequence and a variant of the Quiescent-Interval Single-Shot (QISS) sequence were triggered via phonocardiogram and compared in volunteer examinations to a non-triggered 2D gradient echo (GRE) sequence. For image acquisition, a 16-channel transmit/receive coil and a manually positionable AngioSURF table were used. To tackle B1 inhomogeneities at 7T, Time-Interleaved Acquisition of Modes (TIAMO) was integrated in GRE and UGRE. To compare the three sequences quantitatively, a vessel-to-background ratio (VBR) was measured in all volunteers and stations. In conclusion, cardiac triggering was able to suppress flow artifacts satisfactorily. The modified UGRE showed only moderate image artifacts. Averaged over all volunteers and stations, GRE reached a VBR of 4.18±0.05, UGRE 5.20±0.06, and QISS 2.72±0.03. Using cardiac triggering and TIAMO imaging technique was essential to perform non-enhanced MRA of the lower extremities vessels at 7T. The modified UGRE performed best, as observed artifacts were only moderate and the highest average VBR was reached.
Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany ; Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
Sören
S
Johst
Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany ; Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
Stephan
S
Orzada
Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany ; Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
Anja
A
Fischer
Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany ; Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
Lena C
LC
Schäfer
Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
Kai
K
Nassenstein
Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
Lale
L
Umutlu
Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
Thomas C
TC
Lauenstein
Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany ; Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
Mark E
ME
Ladd
Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
Stefan
S
Maderwald
D000328:Adult; D016477:Artifacts; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D008297:Male; D055815:Young Adult