Korean Journal of Radiology

The Korean Society of Radiology (대한영상의학회)
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The Optimization of Scan Timing for Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Angiography

  • Jongmin J. Lee (Department of Diagnostic Radiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University) ;
  • Phillip J. Tirman (San Francisco Magnetic Resonance Center) ;
  • Yongmin Chang (Department of Diagnostic Radiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University) ;
  • Hun-Kyu Ryeom (Department of Diagnostic Radiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University) ;
  • Sang-Kwon Lee (Department of Diagnostic Radiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University) ;
  • Yong-Sun Kim (Department of Diagnostic Radiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University) ;
  • Duk-Sik Kang (Department of Diagnostic Radiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University)
  • Received : 2000.01.03
  • Accepted : 2000.07.04
  • Published : 2000.09.30
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Abstract

Objective: To determine the optimal scan timing for contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography and to evaluate a new timing method based on the arteriovenous circulation time. Materials and Methods: Eighty-nine contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiographic examinations were performed mainly in the extremities. A 1.5T scanner with a 3-D turbo-FLASH sequence was used, and during each study, two consecutive arterial phases and one venous phase were acquired. Scan delay time was calculated from the time-intensity curve by the traditional (n = 48) and/or the new (n = 41) method. This latter was based on arteriovenous circulation time rather than peak arterial enhancement time, as used in the traditional method. The numbers of first-phase images showing a properly enhanced arterial phase were compared between the two methods. Results: Mean scan delay time was 5.4 sec longer with the new method than with the traditional. Properly enhanced first-phase images were found in 65% of cases (31/48) using the traditional timing method, and 95% (39/41) using the new method. When cases in which there was mismatch between the target vessel and the time-intensity curve acquisition site are excluded, erroneous acquisition occurred in seven cases with the traditional method, but in none with the new method. Conclusion: The calculation of scan delay time on the basis of arteriovenous circulation time provides better timing for arterial phase acquisition than the traditional method.

Keywords

References

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