MR-angiography: the role of contrast agents

Contrast-enhanced 3D MR angiography (MRA) permits comprehensive assessment of the supraaortic arteries as well as the arterial system in the chest, abdomen and lower extremities. 3D MRA combines intravenous injection of a non-nephrotoxic, paramagnetic, extracellular contrast agent that increases the signal intensity of blood by shortening its T1 value with the acquisition of a fast 3D data set. High contrast between the vascular lumen and surrounding tissues, inherent three-dimensionality and the ability to collect image data in the chest and abdomen under apnea conditions all contribute to excellent image quality. This review provides clinical applications of 3D MRA in the chest, abdomen and lower extremities based upon the available literature and several clinical examples.