Navigating the aorta: MR virtual vascular endoscopy

Abstract

Virtual vascular endoscopy (VVE) uses two- and three-dimensional (3D) data sets from magnetic resonance (MR) or computed tomographic angiography to create endoluminal views of blood vessels. This technique is relatively new and has become practical only recently as cheap and powerful computers have become widely available. MR-generated VVE can produce striking images and may prove useful as an alternative or accessory means of presenting large quantities of data. This exhibit reviews technical aspects of MR VVE, describes common errors and artifacts, and provides several examples of MR VVE along with more traditional presentations of 3D gadolinium-enhanced MR angiographic data.