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A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis
10:26

A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Published on: June 2, 2015

Direct portal vein thrombosis visualization with t2*--weighted magnetic resonance imaging

Chuanming Li1, Alice Hu, Mark Haacke

  • 11. Department of Radiology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, 30 Gaotanyan Road, Chongqing 400038, China;

International Journal of Medical Sciences
|September 19, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Direct magnetic resonance imaging using T2*-weighted imaging (T2*WI) can accurately visualize portal vein thrombosis (PVT) without contrast agents. This non-contrast MRI technique offers high-quality characterization of PVT, improving diagnostic capabilities.

Area of Science:

  • Radiology
  • Medical Imaging
  • Vascular Diseases

Background:

  • Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a serious condition requiring accurate diagnosis.
  • Contrast-enhanced CT (CE-CT) is a common diagnostic tool, but contrast agents carry risks.
  • Non-contrast MRI techniques are being explored to improve diagnostic safety and efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the feasibility of direct portal vein thrombosis (PVT) visualization using T2*-weighted imaging (T2*WI) on MRI.
  • To assess the diagnostic performance of non-contrast T2*WI for PVT characterization compared to other MRI sequences and CE-CT.

Main Methods:

  • Thirty patients diagnosed with PVT underwent non-contrast MRI (T1WI, T2WI, T2*WI) and CE-CT.
  • Two radiologists independently assessed PVT and portal vein visualization on all sequences.
  • Comparison focused on thrombus location, size, boundary, and conspicuity, as well as portal vein visibility.

Main Results:

  • T2*WI demonstrated significantly higher scores for PVT location, size, boundary, and conspicuity compared to T1WI and T2WI (P<0.05).
  • T2*WI also showed superior boundary and conspicuity for PVT compared to CE-CT (P<0.05).
  • No significant difference was observed in portal vein visualization between T2*WI and CE-CT.

Conclusions:

  • Non-contrast T2*-weighted imaging (T2*WI) is a feasible and effective method for accurately characterizing portal vein thrombosis (PVT).
  • T2*WI provides high-quality visualization of PVT without the need for intravenous contrast agents.
  • This technique holds promise for safer and equally effective PVT diagnosis.
Keywords:
MRIPortal Vein ThrombosisT2*WI.

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