Two-dimensional MR angiography in the evaluation of abdominal veins with gradient refocused sequences

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the potential role of gradient refocused magnetic resonance imaging as an angiographic method in the evaluation of abdominal veins. Fifteen patients with different venous disorders were examined using first order motion refocused gradient echo sequences (fast low angle shot) in sequential section acquisition technique. Twelve patients had abdominal tumors and three idiopathic thrombosis of abdominal veins. Magnetic resonance was superior to indirect splenoportography and mesentericoportography in evaluation of the abdominal veins in 8 of 10 cases. It was also superior to ultrasound in 3 of 7 cases and to dynamic CT in 2 of 11 cases. This resulted from a higher intrinsic contrast between flowing blood and stationary tissue. It is concluded that two-dimensional gradient refocused imaging may be a valuable angiographic method in the evaluation of abdominal veins.