Fluoroscopic contrast-enhanced MR angiography with a magnetization-prepared steady-state free precession technique in...

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Vascular Imaging
• Interventional Radiology

Background:

• Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) affects lower extremity circulation.
• Accurate imaging is crucial for planning endovascular interventions.
• Current imaging techniques may have limitations in real-time assessment during interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of intraarterial (IA) near-real-time contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA).
• To evaluate a specific frame rate (1.3 fps) for lower extremity PAOD.
• To develop and test optimized techniques for background suppression and road map reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• A modified 2D steady-state free precession (SSFP) technique with magnetization preparation and mask subtraction was employed.
• Intraarterial contrast administration was used for CE-MRA.
• Imaging covered femoropopliteal and infrapopliteal arteries in separate steps.
• Near-real-time imaging was performed at 1.3 frames per second.

Main Results:

• Acceptable contrast-to-noise ratios were achieved in seven patients with lower extremity PAOD.
• The developed technique allowed for near-real-time imaging.
• Road maps were successfully reconstructed from the acquired CE-MRA data.

Conclusions:

• Intraarterial near-real-time CE-MRA using an SSFP technique is feasible for lower extremity PAOD.
• This technique provides a foundation for MR-guided endovascular interventions.
• Mastery of this technique is key for advancing catheter-based MR-guided procedures.