Usefulness of the Principle of Selective Excitation Technique Non-electrocardiogramgated 3D-TOF Method in Lower-extremity MRA Using a Whole-body Coil

Abstract

Generally, non-contrast, lower-extremity, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) uses electrocardiography; thus, examination is difficult in patients who exhibit arrhythmia. However, the use of electrocardiography can be avoided by using the selective excitation technique in non-electrocardiogram-gated three-dimensional time-of-flight (TOF) (pNon-Gate) MRA. Therefore, patients who exhibit arrhythmia can be examined with pNon-Gate MRA. The purpose of this study was to assess the usefulness of pNon-Gate MRA by using a whole-body coil. Images acquired using pNon-Gate MRA were compared with images acquired using electrocardiogram-gated two-dimensional TOF (Gate) MRA. Comparisons comprised visual evaluation, as well as comparisons of contrast-to-noise ratio and imaging time. In visual evaluation of the pelvic region, Gate MRA showed better results than pNon-Gate MRA. In terms of contrast-to-noise ratio, there were no significant differences in either region. Imaging time showed no significant differences between the two methods. However, it exceeded 30 minutes frequently for Gate MRA, but rarely for pNon-Gate MRA. pNon-Gate MRA is useful in patients with frequent arrhythmia and in those with difficulty in maintaining long-term postures. By using a whole-body coil, pNon-Gate MRA enables easier patient positioning and setting. Therefore, pNon-Gate MRA can be used in routine examinations.