[3D contrast MR angiography of lower extremity : additional imaging with subtraction]

Immediately after pelvic contrast MRA, subtraction MRA with additional administration of contrast agent was performed for evaluation of the femoropopliteal artery. Mask images were taken with three- dimensional spoiled GRASS (24/6.9/40 degrees), followed by contrast images with 7.5 - 10 ml of Gd-DTPA. The subtracted images provided excellent depiction of the arteries without the disruption of overlapping from the venous system or surrounding tissues. Seven lesions of arterial occlusion or stenosis were pointed out by subtraction MRA in the nine lesions confirmed with IADSA. Subtraction MRA is feasible for long segment imaging of the lower extremities with Gd-DTPA.