Harald
Kramer1, Val M. Runge2, Kenneth D. Williams2,
L Gill Naul2, Konstantin Nikolaou1, Maximilian F.
Reiser1, Bend J. Wintersperger1
1Department of Clinical Radiology,
University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany; 2Scott and White
Memorial Hospital, Temple, TX, United States
For
imaging of the carotid arteries several non contrast enhanced (non CE) and
contrast enhanced (CE) techniques for MRA exist. Since the discovery
nephrogenic systemic fibrosis possibly caused by Gd-contrast agents non CE
techniques for MRA experience a renaissance. This study compares established
and newly developed non CE and CE techniques for imaging of the carotid
arteries including TOF, T2w darkblood, TrueFISP, dynamic CE MRA and high
resolution CE MRA in an intraindividual setting. Image quality (IQ) as well
as accuracy is evaluated. Standard CE MRA exhibits best IQ and accuracy
directly followed by ECG gated non CE TrueFISP MRA.