Practical aspects of vascular imaging using MRI

MRI is an accurate means of noninvasively assessing vascular abnormalities. However, multiple potential pitfalls exist. In order to minimize error, a knowledge of the flow phenomena seen on various pulse sequences, along with an understanding of pulse sequence modifications that alter these flow phenomena, is necessary. With such an understanding, the current utility of MRI for solving commonly encountered clinical problems of the vascular tree is addressed. Emphasis is placed on a "how-I-do-it" approach, realizing that the reader will make modifications where necessary due to differences in hardware, software, and experience. As appropriate, references to the literature are made in an attempt to justify the use of MRI for the particular problems being discussed.