Abstract
Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) has become an important technique in vascular diseases. Although conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) still is the gold standard for the evaluation of vascular pathology, MRA provides more than just anatomic information. In all MRA techniques, image contrast is the result of blood motion. Therefore, the influence of the hemodynamics of blood flow on the magnetic resonance (MR) signal intensity is obvious and measurable. MRA is noninvasive and safe. Whether a two-dimensional (2-D) or three-dimensional (3-D) sequence is used, a complete 3-D data set can be acquired within a few minutes. Data postprocessing allows for unlimited projections of vessels after the examination is concluded. As a result of recent technical improvements in image quality and vessel depiction, the spatial resolution now approaches that of DSA. Furthermore, particularly in young patients, the reduced use of x-rays is desirable. During the past few years, the administration of contrast agents and development of high-power gradient systems has contributed to major advances in spatial and temporal resolution and the imaged field of view. The popular 3-D contrast MRA uses small intravenous doses of paramagnetic contrast media for high-resolution arteriography, which results in a favorable signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) owing to enhanced longitudinal relaxation time (T1) shortening. This technique has been evaluated in an increasing number of diseases. Thus, arterial catheterization with its potential complications and nephrotoxicity due to iodinated contrast agents is being partially replaced by MRA.
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Weber, J., Forsting, M. (2001). Magnetic Resonance Angiography. In: Fisher, M., Bogousslavsky, J. (eds) Current Review of Cerebrovascular Disease. Current Medicine Group, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-0001-4_8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-0001-4_8
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