MRA of Intracranial Aneurysm Models: A Comparison of Contrast-Enhanced Three-Dimensional MRA with Time-of-Flight MRA

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Abstract
The purpose of our study was to compare contrast-enhanced 3D MR angiography (MRA) using ultrafast spoiled gradient-recalled acquisition in the steady state (SPGR) with 2D and 3D time-of-flight (TOF) MRA for visualization of intracranial lateral saccular aneurysm models. We used lateral saccular aneurysm models with a height of 10 mm and neck sizes of 2.5 and 10 mm. Imaging was performed using a 1.5 T MR system with a head coil. Contrast-enhanced 3D MR angiograms were obtained using 3D ultrafast SPGR sequence with and without the MR Smartprep technique. Two-dimensional and 3D TOF MR angiograms were also obtained. Contrast-enhanced multiphase 3D MR angiograms taken every 5 s after injection of contrast medium proved superior to the other MRA techniques for delineating lateral saccular aneurysm models. Contrast-enhanced 3D MRA images taken with inadequate delay after MR Smartprep trigger showed poor visualization of the aneurysm model. Use of contrast-enhanced multiphase 3D MRA with ultrafast SPGR with shorter TR and TE resulted in clear images of the lateral saccular aneurysm model.