DANTE-SPACE: a new technical tool for DVT on 1.5T MRI

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Vascular Imaging
• Diagnostic Medicine

Background:

• Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremities is a significant clinical concern.
• Conventional diagnosis often relies on contrast-enhanced MR venography (CE-MRV).
• Gadolinium-based contrast agents may pose risks for certain patient populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the diagnostic efficacy of DANTE-SPACE MRI with CE-MRV for lower extremity DVT.
• To evaluate DANTE-SPACE as a contrast-free imaging modality for DVT detection.

Main Methods:

• A 1.5T MRI system was used to acquire both DANTE-SPACE and CE-MRV sequences.
• Imaging covered the inferior vena cava to the ankle, divided into five segments.
• Signal intensity ratios (thrombus/cavity and thrombus/muscle) were calculated and compared.

Main Results:

• DANTE-SPACE demonstrated consistency with CE-MRV in diagnosing DVTs across iliac, femoral, popliteal, and calf veins.
• Statistically significant differences were observed in thrombus/cavity and thrombus/muscle signal intensity ratios between the two methods (P < 0.05).
• DANTE-SPACE successfully identified DVTs, showing high signal intensity indicative of thrombus, and offered insights into thrombus components and age.

Conclusions:

• DANTE-SPACE MRI is a comparable imaging modality to CE-MRV for diagnosing lower extremity DVT.
• It serves as a preferred alternative for patients with contraindications or reluctance to receive gadolinium contrast agents.
• The technique facilitates DVT diagnosis and aids in clinical treatment planning.