MR angiography using steady‐state free precession

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Abstract
Contrast‐enhanced MR angiography (CE‐MRA) using steady‐state free precession (SSFP) pulse sequences is described. Using SSFP, vascular structures can be visualized with high signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) at a substantial (delay) time after the initial arterial pass of contrast media. The peak blood SSFP signal was diminished by <20% 30 min after the initial administration of 0.2 mmol/kg of Gd‐chelate. The proposed method allows a second opportunity to study arterial or venous structures with high image SNR and high spatial resolution. A mask subtraction scheme using spin echo SSFP‐S(−) acquisition is also described to reduce stationary background signal from the delayed SSFP angiography images. Magn Reson Med 48:699–706, 2002.