Development of intraarterial contrast-enhanced 2D MRDSA with a 0.3 tesla open MRI system

The purpose of this study was to develop a new technique for a high temporal resolution two-dimensional MR digital subtraction angiography (2D MRDSA) sequence under intraarterial injection of contrast material to permit the visualization of vascular anatomy and hemodynamics.

2D MRDSA was imaged on a 0.3T open MR scanner with a T(1)-weighted fast gradient echo sequence. The phantom study examined vials containing gadolinium (Gd) solutions ranging in concentration from 0.5 mmol/L to 100 mmol/L. Repetition time and echo time were fixed at minimal values in order to achieve high temporal resolution, and only the flip angle was changed in 10-degree increments between 10 and 90 degrees. The in vivo study examined a brachial artery of a human volunteer. MRDSA images were acquired continuously during intraarterial injections of Gd solutions ranging in concentration from 0.5 mmol/L to 100 mmol/L. The subtracted images were displayed on the monitor in real time at a frame rate of one frame per second and evaluated to determine the optimal concentration of contrast material.

In the phantom study, a 10-mmol/L Gd concentration with a flip angle of 50 degrees -90 degrees and a 25-mmol/L Gd concentration with a flip angle of 60 degrees -90 degrees showed high signal-to-noise ratios. In the human brachial artery experiment, the forearm arteries were well visualized when solutions of 5-50 mmol/L Gd concentration were used. The 10- and 25-mmol/L Gd concentrations were considered optimal. The palmar digital arteries were also visualized. Higher Gd concentrations showed a paradoxical signal increase when diluted by blood.

We successfully developed an intraarterial contrast-enhanced 2D MRDSA sequence. With appropriate settings of imaging parameters and Gd concentrations, we obtained acceptable vessel visualization in the human study. The low Gd concentration for optimal visualization permits repeated intraarterial injections. This technique can be a useful tool for investigating the vascular anatomy and hemodynamics required for MR-guided vascular interventions.