Image quality and diagnostic accuracy of unenhanced SSFP MR angiography compared with conventional contrast-enhanced MR angiography for the assessment of thoracic aortic diseases

• DOI: 10.1007/s00330-009-1672-3
• Publication Date: 2009-12-15T14:34:54Z
• Authors: Mayil S. Krishnam; Anderanik Tomasian; Sachin Malik; Vibhas Desphande; Gerhard Laub; Stefan G. Ruehm
• Keywords: Magnetic resonance angiography; Neuroradiology; Descending aorta

The purpose of this study was to determine the image quality and diagnostic accuracy three-dimensional (3D) unenhanced steady state free precession (SSFP) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for evaluation thoracic aortic diseases.Fifty consecutive patients with known or suspected disease underwent free-breathing ECG-gated SSFP MRA non-selective radiofrequency excitation contrast-enhanced (CE) thorax at 1.5 T. Two readers independently evaluated two datasets in root, ascending aorta, arch, descending origins supra-aortic arteries, abnormal findings. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) contrast-to-noise (CNR) were determined both datasets. Sensitivity, specificity, diagnosis abnormalities determined.Abnormal findings, including aneurysm (n = 47), coarctation 14), dissection 12), graft 6), intramural hematoma 11), mural thrombus arch 1), penetrating ulcer 9), confidently detected on detection 100% CE-MRA serving as a reference standard. Image root significantly higher (P < 0.001) no significant difference other segments > 0.05). SNR CNR values all 0.01).Our results suggest that navigator-gated 3D is promising technique provides high assessment without need intravenous contrast material.