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Vascular imaging with magnetic resonance and computed tomography
1Department of Radiology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90509.
Insights
Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) image the cardiovascular system, with MRI being more suitable for medium vessels. Advanced techniques like magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) are improving vascular imaging.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are key cross-sectional imaging modalities for the cardiovascular system.
- Current spatial resolution limits routine application to larger vessels like the aorta and vena cava.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review common vascular abnormalities imaged with CT and MRI.
- To explain the principles of blood flow visualization in MRI, including flow-related enhancement and even-echo rephasing.
- To highlight the advantages of MRI, particularly magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), for medium-sized vessel evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of imaging principles and techniques for CT and MRI in cardiovascular assessment.
- Presentation of common vascular abnormalities as depicted by these modalities.
- Explanation of physical principles governing blood flow imaging in MRI.
Main Results:
- MRI, especially with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), shows greater suitability than CT for evaluating medium-sized vessels.
- Understanding basic physics is crucial for interpreting complex blood flow patterns on MRI.
- Quantification of blood flow by MRI is an active area of research with potential to replace existing methods.
Conclusions:
- CT and MRI are valuable tools for cardiovascular imaging, each with specific strengths.
- Advancements in MRI techniques, such as MRA, are expanding its role in vascular assessment.
- Future research in MRI blood flow quantification may offer significant clinical benefits.
Abstract:
Cross-sectional imaging of the cardiovascular system is successfully achieved with computed tomography (CT) and, more recently, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Limits of spatial resolution confine the routine application of either device to assessment of larger vessels, such as the aorta, vena cava, and renal veins. The decision to use one modality versus the other is frequently influenced by the clinical status of the patient, as well as the indication for diagnostic imaging. Some of the more common vascular abnormalities are depicted in this article, as imaged by these relatively new and expensive technologies. An explanation of the complex appearance of blood flow on MR is dependent on an understanding of some basic physical principles, such as flow-related enhancement and even-echo rephasing. MRI is presently more suitable than CT for the evaluation of medium-size vessels since the development of effective techniques for magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Some of the important concepts, along with the terminology of this still-evolving field are presented. The quantification of blood flow by MRI is similarly an area of active research, and may ultimately supplant the existing methods.