The Optimizations of Imaging Parameters in Abdominal and Peripheral Contrast Enhanced MR Angiography

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the relativethe signal difference. Also this optimal angle increased as TR increased. The optimal flip angles varied along with [Gd] concentration such that high concentration allowed larger flip angle. The experiment revealed similar results and confirmed the results obtained from simulation. Both simulation and experimental results suggest that the optimization scheme of imaging parameters for maximum signal difference, which gives best vessel visualization, is very close to that for maximizing blood signal alone for short TR application of contrast enhanced MRA. CONCLUSION: To improve the vessel visualization, it is necessary to optimize the imaging parameters. The expected optimal flip angle is very close to Ernst angle. Higher [Gd] concentration and longer TR, if allowed, will give rise to higher blood signal.