Gadomer-17-enhanced 3D navigator-echo MR angiography of the pulmonary arteries in pigs

Eur Radiol. 2002 Mar;12(3):692-7. doi: 10.1007/s00330-001-1221-1. Epub 2001 Nov 8.

Abstract

The goal of this study was visualisation and quality assessment of the pulmonary arteries in pigs with modified navigator-echo magnetic resonance angiography using an intravascular contrast agent. Five sedated pigs were examined in a clinical 1.5-T system with modified three-dimensional navigator-echo magnetic resonance angiography (slice thickness 3 mm, pixel size 2.4x1.8 mm2) to evaluate the pulmonary arteries. Using a phased-array four-element thorax coil the entire thorax was scanned before and after intravenous infusion of a gadolinium-based intravascular contrast agent. Assessment of image quality, enhancement-related contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) measurements and improvement of visibility of peripheral pulmonary vessels was performed. Improvement of quality using Gadomer-17 was found for smaller vessels; pulmonary trunks and the main pulmonary arteries were sufficiently imaged without enhancement. Mean rise of CNR measured in the pulmonary trunks was 28.64% ( P=0.0002), mean rise of CNR in the main pulmonary arteries and the segmental arteries were 79.6% and 148.2%, respectively. Mean distance between the visible peripheral end of 60 sub-segmental arteries and the inner thoracic wall was 12.2 +/- 0.4 mm, and was significantly ( P=0.00002) reduced after contrast infusion to 8.0 +/- 0.4 mm. The combination of inherent flow sensitivity of navigator-echo angiography and Gadomer-17 proved effective for imaging of the pulmonary arteries. In contrast to standard contrast-enhanced pulmonary MRA studies, breath holding is not required. Further studies and the evaluation of findings of patients suffering from pulmonary embolism are needed to evaluate the possible benefits of a higher spatial resolution which is achievable using navigator-echo techniques in contrast to the higher temporal resolution of ultra-fast pulmonary MRA.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Contrast Media*
  • Female
  • Gadolinium*
  • Image Enhancement / methods
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography / methods*
  • Pulmonary Artery / pathology*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnosis
  • Swine

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • gadomer 17
  • Gadolinium