Comparison of Different Techniques for Non-Contrast enhanced and Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Angiography of the Carotid Arteries

Harald Kramer¹, Val M. Runge², Kenneth D. Williams², L Gill Naul², Konstantin Nikolaou¹, Maximilian F. Reiser¹, Bend J. Wintersperger¹

For imaging of the carotid arteries several non contrast enhanced (non CE) and contrast enhanced (CE) techniques for MRA exist. Since the discovery nephrogenic systemic fibrosis possibly caused by Gd-contrast agents non CE techniques for MRA experience a renaissance. This study compares established and newly developed non CE and CE techniques for imaging of the carotid arteries including TOF, T2w darkblood, TrueFISP, dynamic CE MRA and high resolution CE MRA in an intraindividual setting. Image quality (IQ) as well as accuracy is evaluated. Standard CE MRA exhibits best IQ and accuracy directly followed by ECG gated non CE TrueFISP MRA.