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Time-resolved contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography in pediatric patients using sensitivity encoding
Raja Muthupillai1, Giles W Vick, Scott D Flamm
1Philips Medical Systems, Bothell, Washington, USA. raja.Muthupillai@philips.com
Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : JMRI
|April 30, 2003
Summary
Time-resolved contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) with sensitivity encoding (SENSE) effectively images pediatric thoraco-abdominal vessels. This technique provides diagnostic quality images during free breathing, showing good arterial-to-venous separation.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Pediatric Imaging
Background:
- Pediatric thoraco-abdominal vessel imaging presents challenges due to patient motion.
- Time-resolved contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) offers potential for dynamic vascular assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of time-resolved CE-MRA utilizing sensitivity encoding (SENSE) for imaging pediatric thoraco-abdominal vessels.
Main Methods:
- A 3D CE-MRA technique with SENSE was applied to 22 pediatric patients (median age 5 years).
- Acquisition involved a 0.2 mmol/kg Gd-chelate injection, reduced in-plane acceleration using SENSE, and 4-8 dynamics during free breathing (temporal resolution ~6.8s).
- Arterial-to-venous signal intensity ratios (AVRs) were calculated to assess image quality and vascular separation.
Main Results:
- All reconstructed images were of diagnostic quality.
- Excellent arterial-to-venous separation was achieved, with peak AVRs of 6.1 ± 3.3.
- The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for the peak arterial volume was 41 ± 26.
Conclusions:
- Sensitivity encoding (SENSE) can be successfully integrated into time-resolved 3D CE-MRA for pediatric thoraco-abdominal vessel imaging.
- The technique is feasible for use during free breathing in pediatric patients.
- This approach yields diagnostic quality images with good vascular contrast.