Dynamic k-space filling for bolus chase 3D MR digital subtraction angiography

A bolus chase three-dimensional (3D) MR digital subtraction angiography (MRDSA) technique was implemented using dynamic k-space filling. This technique permits rapid 3D arterial imaging of the entire lower extremity at multiple stations using a single intravenous injection. Image acquisition at the first (most proximal) station starts from the edge of k-space and ends in the center of k-space (edge-center order). Image acquisition for middle stations starts from the edge of k-space, arrives at the center of k-space at the middle of data acquisition, and ends at the edge of k-space (edge-center-edge order). Image acquisition for the last station starts from the center of k-space and ends at the edge of k-space (center-edge order). This dynamic k-space filling minimizes contrast dose and motion artifacts. Bolus chase 3D MRDSA was performed on four normal volunteers and three patients using a multiple-phase 3D fast gradient-echo sequence, 25-ml gadolinium dose, and a prototype stepping table. Total bolus chase 3D acquisition time was 46 s. Mask subtraction using both complex and magnitude subtraction was performed. Complex subtraction was found to be necessary for proper delineation of arteries below the aortic bifurcation. Diagnostic results were consistently obtained for all subjects.