Dual-Echo MRI Method for Simultaneous MR Angiography and MR Venography
This approach stands out by achieving simultaneous high-quality MRA and MRV without extending scan time or compromising image quality. Maximizing k-space separation between echoes overcomes the conflicting parameter requirements that plagued earlier methods. It delivers vascular contrast and connectivity comparable to dedicated scans and offers a simple trade-off via slab configuration. By integrating advanced excitation and acquisition techniques, it eliminates trade-offs in vessel visualization, making comprehensive arteriovenographic imaging more efficient and clinically practical than existing single-echo or dual-acquisition protocols.
Description
The inventors have developed an improved MR imaging technique that allowed them to simultaneously acquire time of flight MR angiogram (MRA) and blood-oxygenation-level-dependent MR venogram (MRV) in a single MR acquisition at 3T. As a result, they were able to acquire a simultaneous dual-echo MRA and MRV with their image quality comparable to that for the conventional single echo MRA and MRV that were acquired separately at two different sessions.Applications
Simultaneous MRA and MRV scansComprehensive neurovascular diagnostics
Single-session vascular imaging
Acute stroke vascular assessment
Integrated angiography-venography MRI
Advantages
Simultaneous acquisition of high-quality arterial (MRA) and venous (MRV) images in a single scan without increasing scan timeIndependent optimization of RF excitation, flip angle, and presaturation for each echo to maximize arterial and venous contrast
Vascular contrast and connectivity equivalent to separate single-echo MRA and MRV scans
Seamless vessel continuity across large anatomical coverage via tilted nonsaturating excitation and overlapping thin slabs
Adjustable slab configuration to balance enhanced arterial detail versus venous sensitivity per clinical requirement