Feasibility of detecting pulmonary embolism using noncontrast MRI

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of detecting pulmonary emboli utilizing noncontrast magnetic resonance imaging techniques in patients with known pulmonary embolism. Materials and Methods. Eleven patients were enrolled in a study to evaluate right ventricular function by cardiac MRI in patients diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism on CT pulmonary angiogram. Cardiac MRI was performed as soon as possible following pulmonary embolism detection. Two independent observers reviewed the precontrast portion of each MRI, scoring right, left, and lobar arteries as positive or negative for PE. The CTs were reviewed and interpreted in the same manner. Results. MRI was obtained on average of 40 hours after the CT. Forty-eight vessels were affected by PE on CT, 69% of which were identified on MRI. All eight pulmonary emboli located in the right or left pulmonary arteries were detected on MRI. Of the 15 pulmonary emboli that were not detected on MRI, 7 were subsegmental, 6 were segmental, and 2 were located in a branch not included in the MRI field of view. Conclusions. Most pulmonary emboli detected on CT were identified on noncontrast MRI, even though our MRI protocol was not optimized for pulmonary artery visualization.