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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
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Phase Contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Rat Common Carotid Artery
Published on: September 5, 2018
Gadolinium-enhanced phase-contrast magnetic resonance portography
Takeshi Yoshikawa1, Yoshiharu Ohno, Tomofumi Motohara
1Department of Radiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan. yoshikawa0816@aol.com
Summary
Gadolinium contrast medium significantly improves visualization and image quality in phase-contrast magnetic resonance (MR) portography. This enhancement makes MR portography a valuable supplemental tool for evaluating the portal vein.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Phase-contrast magnetic resonance (MR) portography is used to visualize the portal venous system.
- Gadolinium-chelated contrast agents are commonly used in MR imaging to enhance image quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness and utility of gadolinium-chelated contrast medium in phase-contrast MR portography.
- To assess the impact of gadolinium enhancement on portal vein visualization and image quality metrics.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-six patients underwent respiratory-triggered 3D phase-contrast portography before and after gadolinium administration at 1.5T.
- Coronal maximum intensity projection (MIP) images were reconstructed and compared to conventional arterial portograms.
- Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) were measured for various portal vein segments and compared between enhanced and non-enhanced images.
Main Results:
- Gadolinium-enhanced portography demonstrated clearer visualization of portal veins and branches compared to non-enhanced images.
- Enhanced MR portography showed comparable visualization to arterial portography, with minor exceptions.
- Significantly higher SNR and CNR were observed in gadolinium-enhanced images across most measured portal vein locations.
Conclusions:
- Gadolinium administration enhances SNR and CNR in phase-contrast MR portography.
- The gadolinium-enhanced phase-contrast technique is a useful supplemental method for portal vein evaluation.
- This technique offers improved visualization of the portal venous system.
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