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Timing of data acquisition determines image quality in femoropopliteal phase-sensitive MR angiography
Abstract:
To study the effects of timing of data acquisition on quality of femoropopliteal magnetic resonance (MR) angiograms, the authors studied 16 healthy men, mean age 34.3 +/- 6 years, by color Doppler imaging and by phase-sensitive (PS) MR angiography. PS MR imaging was performed at 1.5T using a flow adjustable gradient (FLAG) pulse sequence. The images were graded in a blinded fashion by two independent observers. Of 16 MR angiograms consisting of 141 angiographic images (AI), 45 (31.9%) were diagnostic. At least 1 diagnostic AI was obtained in each subject, and 38 (84.4%) of the diagnostic images were acquired within the first 120 milli-seconds (ms) of the systolic flow pulse. The highest yield of diagnostic images (90.9%) was obtained in the interval of thirty to sixty ms before the peak flow velocity. In healthy man diagnostic PS MR angiography requires triggering to the femoropopliteal systolic flow pulse. The highest yield of diagnostic images is acquired during the flow pulse acceleration.
Insights
Optimizing magnetic resonance (MR) angiography timing improves image quality. Diagnostic images for femoropopliteal arteries were best acquired during systolic flow pulse acceleration, specifically 30-60 ms before peak velocity.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Cardiovascular Radiology
Background:
- Femoropopliteal artery imaging is crucial for diagnosing peripheral artery disease.
- Phase-sensitive (PS) MR angiography offers a non-invasive method for visualizing these vessels.
- Optimizing image acquisition timing is essential for diagnostic quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the optimal timing for data acquisition in phase-sensitive MR angiography of the femoropopliteal arteries.
- To evaluate the effect of systolic flow pulse timing on the diagnostic quality of MR angiograms.
Main Methods:
- 16 healthy male subjects underwent PS MR angiography at 1.5T using a flow adjustable gradient (FLAG) sequence.
- Images were acquired with triggering to the femoropopliteal systolic flow pulse.
- Two independent observers graded the angiographic images in a blinded fashion.
Main Results:
- 45 out of 141 (31.9%) angiographic images were diagnostic.
- Diagnostic images were predominantly obtained within the first 120 milliseconds of the systolic flow pulse (84.4%).
- The highest yield of diagnostic images (90.9%) occurred 30-60 ms before peak flow velocity, during flow pulse acceleration.
Conclusions:
- Diagnostic quality PS MR angiography of the femoropopliteal arteries in healthy individuals requires triggering to the systolic flow pulse.
- Acquiring images during the acceleration phase of the flow pulse yields the highest proportion of diagnostic images.