Use of three-dimensional segmented flash sequence with magnetization transfer contrast to improve gd-dtpa-enhanced intrahepatic MR portography

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Abstract
Twenty healthy volunteers underwent gadopentetate dimeglumine (gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA))-enhanced MR angiography (MRA) using three-dimensional-segmented fast low angle shot images (FLASH) with magnetization transfer contrast (MTC) pulses. MRA was obtained at 75 seconds (early phase) and 135 seconds (late phase) after bolus injection of Gd-DTPA (MTC+ group) during one period of breath-holding. Within 1 week. MRA without MTC was performed under the same scanning conditions. Visualization of intrahepatic portal branches with these methods was compared in both phases. Portal vein-liver contrast-to-noise ratios were significantly higher in the MTC+ group in both phases. For third- and fourth-order portal branches, visualization was significantly better in the MTC+ group in both phases. Use of three-dimensional-segmented FLASH shortened acquisition time and facilitated imaging during breath-holding and also reduced whole-body average specific absorption rate values. Visualization of intrahepatic portal vein branches was improved by MTC pulses, and effective imaging time was prolonged.