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Contrast enhanced MRA of peripheral arteries with the automatic "floating table"
R Janka1, F Fellner, M Requardt
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany. rolf.janka@gmx.de
Abstract:
Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is increasingly used as a non-invasive alternative to digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Besides plain time-of-flight (TOF) and phase contrast (PC) MRA a new MRA technique using positive contrast agent has been introduced recently. A fast 3D gradient-echo sequence is applied to reach a significant reduction of measurement time for acquisition of the MRA within the first pass of the contrast agent, thereby avoiding venous overlap. A significant progress was yielded by MR systems allowing manual table movement for examination of the pelvis and the lower limbs in one examination with a single contrast agent bolus. However, in this case it is necessary to have a coworker in the examination room moving the table manually. In this paper we report a prototype system which allows automatic table movement ("floating table"). Using this novel system we examined a patient with an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta and peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). Diagnostic results of contrast enhanced MRA and DSA were equivalent. In summary, the automatic floating table system introduced in this paper allows comfortable non-invasive examination of pelvic and lower limb arteries. The value of this technique in comparison to DSA has to be determined in future studies.
Insights
A new magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) technique with an automatic "floating table" enables comfortable, non-invasive imaging of pelvic and lower limb arteries. This advancement offers diagnostic results comparable to digital subtraction angiography (DSA).
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Radiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
Background:
- Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is a non-invasive alternative to digital subtraction angiography (DSA).
- Advancements in MRA include techniques using positive contrast agents and fast 3D gradient-echo sequences to reduce scan times.
- Manual table movement in MRA systems allows for comprehensive pelvic and lower limb examinations but requires assistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate a prototype automatic table movement system (floating table) for MRA.
- To assess the feasibility and diagnostic equivalence of this novel MRA system compared to conventional methods.
Main Methods:
- A novel MRA system with an automatic "floating table" was developed.
- A fast 3D gradient-echo sequence was employed for contrast-enhanced MRA during the first pass of the contrast agent.
- The system was used to examine a patient with abdominal aortic aneurysm and peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD).
Main Results:
- The automatic floating table system facilitated comfortable, non-invasive examination of pelvic and lower limb arteries.
- Diagnostic results from contrast-enhanced MRA using the novel system were equivalent to those from DSA.
- The technique successfully imaged a patient with abdominal aortic aneurysm and PAOD.
Conclusions:
- The automatic floating table MRA system provides a comfortable and non-invasive method for examining pelvic and lower limb arteries.
- This technology shows promise as an alternative to DSA, though further studies are needed to confirm its long-term value.