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Gadolinium susceptibility artifact causing false positive stenosis isolated to the proximal common carotid artery in 3D dynamic contrast medium enhanced MR angiography of the thorax – a brief review of causes and prevention

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Abstract

Due to the close proximity of arteries and veins in the superior mediastinum and upper extremities, T2* shortening effects of the gadolinium within the central veins may cause artifactual vascular stenosis (susceptibility artifact) on arterial-phase MR angiographic images of the major branches of the aortic arch. We report a case of artifactual stenosis isolated to the origin of the left common carotid artery on arterial-phase MR angiography, secondary to susceptibility artifact from non-diluted gadolinium in the adjacent brachiocephalic vein. The cause of the artifact, its identification and prevention is reviewed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Hospital of University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, 1st Floor Founders-MRI Learning Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-4283, USA

    A. Temel Tirkes & Mark A. Rosen

  2. Department of Radiology, Hospital of University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, 1st Floor Founders-MRI Learning Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-4283, USA

    Evan S. Siegelman

Authors
  1. A. Temel Tirkes
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  2. Mark A. Rosen
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  3. Evan S. Siegelman
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Tirkes, A.T., Rosen, M.A. & Siegelman, E.S. Gadolinium susceptibility artifact causing false positive stenosis isolated to the proximal common carotid artery in 3D dynamic contrast medium enhanced MR angiography of the thorax – a brief review of causes and prevention. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 19, 151–155 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022836930797

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022836930797

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