Non-contrast enhanced MR venography using 3D fresh blood imaging (FBI): initial experience

Area of Science:

• Vascular imaging
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Venous disease diagnostics

Background:

• Venous diseases, such as deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and varices, affect the iliac to lower extremity vasculature.
• Accurate visualization is crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Conventional imaging methods may have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of 3D-fresh blood imaging (FBI) for diagnosing venous disease in the iliac to lower extremity region.
• To compare 3D-FBI with conventional X-ray venography (CV) and 2D-Time-of-Flight Magnetic Resonance Angiography (2D-TOF MRA).

Main Methods:

• Fourteen patients with diagnosed venous disease (8 DVT, 6 varix) underwent imaging with 3D-FBI and 2D-TOF MRA.
• Images were assessed for disease visualization and compared against conventional X-ray venography (CV).

Main Results:

• 3D-FBI demonstrated 100% sensitivity in detecting deep venous thrombosis (DVT) compared to CV.
• Image acquisition times for 3D-FBI were rapid, ranging from 3 minutes 24 seconds to 4 minutes 52 seconds.
• Collateral vein delineation was superior or equal to 2D-TOF MRA, and varices were visualized in most cases.

Conclusions:

• 3D-fresh blood imaging (FBI) is a clinically useful MRI technique for iliac to peripheral MR venography.
• The method provides contrast-free imaging within a short acquisition time.
• It shows high efficacy in diagnosing venous diseases like DVT and varices.