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Thoracic aortic dissection and aneurysm: evaluation with nonenhanced true FISP MR angiography in less than 4 minutes
F Scott Pereles1, Richard M McCarthy, Visveshwar Baskaran
1Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Medical School, 676 N St Clair St, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. s-pereles@northwestern.edu
Abstract:
Comprehensive aortic magnetic resonance (MR) examinations currently include multiple nonenhanced and contrast material-enhanced sequences. The authors hypothesized that the nonenhanced true fast imaging with steady-state precession (FISP) portion alone of their comprehensive imaging protocol would be adequate to confidently confirm or exclude dissection or aneurysm of the aorta. In a retrospective review of 29 comprehensive thoracic aortic MR examinations, nonenhanced true FISP MR imaging alone was 100% accurate for determining the presence or absence of dissection or aneurysm.
Insights
Nonenhanced true fast imaging with steady-state precession (FISP) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging alone accurately detects aortic dissection or aneurysm. This single sequence in MR protocols can confidently rule out or confirm these critical aortic conditions.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Comprehensive aortic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging typically involves multiple sequences, including contrast-enhanced ones.
- Evaluating the aorta for dissection or aneurysm often requires a complex imaging protocol.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if nonenhanced true fast imaging with steady-state precession (FISP) MR imaging alone is sufficient for diagnosing aortic dissection or aneurysm.
- To assess the diagnostic adequacy of a single nonenhanced MR sequence for critical aortic pathologies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 29 thoracic aortic MR examinations.
- Analysis focused on the nonenhanced true FISP sequence within a comprehensive MR protocol.
Main Results:
- Nonenhanced true FISP MR imaging demonstrated 100% accuracy in identifying the presence or absence of aortic dissection or aneurysm.
- The single nonenhanced sequence was adequate for confident diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Nonenhanced true FISP MR imaging is a highly accurate and potentially streamlined method for evaluating the thoracic aorta for dissection and aneurysm.
- This finding suggests a potential simplification of aortic MR protocols, reducing scan time and eliminating the need for contrast material in certain diagnostic scenarios.