[MR angiography. Its use in pulmonary and mediastinal space-occupying lesions]

MR angiography (MRA) proved to be promising combined to MR imaging (MRI) in the assessment of intrathoracic masses. Sequential FLASH 2D angiograms were acquired in breath-hold technique using the following parameters: TR = 30 ms, TE = 10 ms, FA = 30 degrees. Section thickness was 5 mm with 1 mm overlap between sequential sections. Individual conditions of the examination were achieved by an automatized control procedure. Targeted MIP postprocessing resulted in 3D reconstructions illustrating vascular anatomy and avoiding superimposition. Presentation should be done by cine-mode for better spatial impression. This method was evaluated in a prospective study of 21 patients with malignant pulmonary and mediastinal masses in addition to spin-echo imaging. The diagnostic contribution concerning the relationship between the mass and the vasculature like displacement, stenosis, and poststenotic perfusion defect were assessed.