[3D-MR-angiography using Gd-DTPA]

Abstract

Projection angiograms similar to DSA can be obtained via 3D-gradient echo techniques by subtraction of data sets acquired before and after the intravenous administration of Gd-DTPA (0.1-0.2 mmol/kg body weight). As Gd-DTPA does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier, image subtraction results in complete cancellation of non vascular tissue. In organs without blood-brain barrier Gd-DTPA induced signal enhancement results in modest background superposition of vascular anatomy. With Gd-DTPA angiography vessels are imaged favouring the venous system because of the more constant flow velocity and the lack of ECG synchronization. Gd-DTPA angiography results in high signal-to-noise angiograms and can even be performed with MR imagers which do not meet the hardware requirements for angiography based on flow compensated gradients.