MRI for peripheral artery disease: Introductory physics for vascular physicians

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Cardiovascular Imaging

Background:

• Peripheral artery disease (PAD) diagnosis and management require effective imaging techniques.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has advanced, offering a safe, non-invasive option for PAD evaluation.
• The complexity of MRI can be a barrier to its widespread clinical adoption for PAD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide physicians managing PAD patients with a foundational understanding of MRI technical principles.
• To explain how MRI can be utilized to assess the anatomical characteristics of peripheral arterial lesions.
• To enhance the accessibility and clinical utility of MRI in PAD patient care.

Main Methods:

• Discussion of fundamental MRI physics and image acquisition relevant to peripheral vasculature.
• Explanation of MRI sequences and parameters optimized for visualizing arterial anatomy and pathology.
• Focus on contrast-enhanced and non-contrast-enhanced MRI techniques for PAD assessment.

Main Results:

• MRI provides detailed anatomical visualization of peripheral arterial lesions, including stenosis and occlusion.
• Non-contrast MRI techniques are increasingly viable for PAD imaging, reducing risks associated with contrast agents.
• MRI can accurately characterize lesion morphology, aiding in treatment planning for PAD.

Conclusions:

• MRI is a powerful, versatile tool for evaluating PAD, offering detailed anatomical insights.
• Understanding MRI principles can empower physicians to better utilize this technology for PAD management.
• Continued development and education in MRI are crucial for optimizing its role in diagnosing and treating peripheral artery disease.