Non-Contrast-Enhanced MR Portography Using Spin Labeling Technique: Comparison of Balanced SSFP and Half-Fourier FSE Sequence.

Hiroshi Sugimura¹, Kenichiro Yamaguchi¹, Ryuzo Ochiai¹, Eiji Furukoji¹, Tatefumi Sakae¹, Shozo Tamura¹, Toshiya Azuma¹, Tokunori Kimura², Yoko Tamaribuchi², Tatsuya Ohkubo², Yoshio Machida³

The purpose of this study was to make a comparison between 3D balanced steady state free precession (SSFP) sequence and 3D half-Fourier FSE to explore the non-contrast-enhanced MR portography using spin labeling technique.To investigate intra-hepatic portal branches, the MR Portography using half-Fourier FSE technique provides better quality images than that with SSFP sequence. The 3D balanced SSFP sequence is suitable for the investigation of main portal trunk because of lower burring artifacts. The MR Portography using the time-SLIP technique serves as a useful tool for screening procedures of portal vein.