[Parameter optimization for non-contrast-enhanced selective magnetic resonance portography imaging].

Area of Science:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Vascular Imaging
• Medical Imaging Techniques

Context:

• Non-contrast imaging is desirable for reducing risks and costs associated with contrast agents.
• The portal venous system is crucial for liver function and diagnosis of various pathologies.
• Accurate visualization of the portal vein is essential for surgical planning and disease assessment.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the efficacy of 3D true steady-state free-precession (SSFP) sequences combined with time-spatial labeling inversion pulse (T-SLIP) for non-contrast-enhanced (non-CE) portal venous system visualization.
• To optimize the T-SLIP protocol by comparing different inversion times (TI) for selective portal vein imaging.
• To assess both quantitative and qualitative parameters of the generated portographic images.

Summary:

• A novel MRI technique using 3D true SSFP and T-SLIP was applied to 13 healthy volunteers for non-contrast portal vein imaging.
• Portographic images were generated via digital subtraction of pulse-on and pulse-off sequences.
• Quantitative analysis of signal intensity and qualitative assessment of image quality were performed across four different T-SLIP inversion times (700 ms to 1300 ms).

Impact:

• The study successfully demonstrated selective non-contrast visualization of the portal vein using the T-SLIP technique.
• Optimal inversion times of 1300 ms and 1100 ms were identified, offering a viable alternative to contrast-enhanced MRA.
• This non-CE approach has the potential to improve patient safety and reduce healthcare costs in portal venous system imaging.