Comparison of Clinical Application Modes of 3D TOF MR Angiography in the Brain: Normal Volunteers Study

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare the various imaging techniques including application of magnetization transfer(MT), administration of IV contrast materials, and imaging time after injection of contrast materials in 3D time-of-flight(TOF) cerebral magnetic resonance angiography(MRA) in normal volunteers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Each of 11 healthy volunteers was prospectively studied with 3D TOF cerebral MRA using various imaging parameters. Various parameters of 3D TOF MRA were 1) pre-enhanced magnetization transfer(MT), 2) postenhanced MT, immediate phase, 3) postenhanced MT, 10-minutes delayed phase, 4) postenhanced MT, 20-minutes delayed phase, 5) pre-enhanced non-MT, 6) postenhanced non-MT, immediate phase, 7) postenhanced non-MT, 10-minutes delayed phase, 8) postenhanced non-MT, 20-minutes delayed phase. Image qualities of various parameters were compared with regard to depiction of cerebral arteries and veins by visual assessment For statistical analysis paired t-test was used. RESULTS: In pre-enhanced MRA, images with MT mode were better in arterial visualization than those with :n0n-MT mode(p<0.01). Postenhanced MT and non-MT images were better in arterial and venous visualization !than pre-enhanced MT and non-MT images(p<0.01), respectively. Images obtained immediately after injection of contrast material were better in both arterial and venous visualization than delayed images(p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Postenhanced cerebral 3D TOF MRA with MT obtained immediately after injection of contrast materal is the best to increase visualization of both cerebral arteries and veins, and may be indicated in some cranial vascular diseases.