Peripheral magnetic resonance angiography at 3.0 T

Peripheral angiography always has been a challenge for magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) because of the large anatomical area that has to be covered in an arterial phase at high spatial resolution. With conventional stepping table techniques, venous overlay often occurs at the most distal station. To solve these problems, several methods, such as hybrid MRA protocols or venous compression techniques, were used at 1.5-T magnetic resonance systems. The implementation of clinical 3.0-T magnetic resonance systems offers the opportunity of new imaging protocols with an increased image quality. This article explains these new imaging protocols for peripheral MRA and the opportunities that arise from the combination of high field strength and dedicated hardware for MRA.