Non-Contrast-Enhanced Peripheral MRA Using Velocity-Selective Saturation Preparation

Taehoon Shin¹, Bob S. Hu², Dwight G. Nishimura¹

We propose a new non-contrast-enhanced (NCE) lower leg MRA method which allows high artery-background contrast from a single 3D acquisition. The key component of the proposed method is a velocity-selective magnetization preparation at systole which saturates all tissues except arterial blood using high velocity selectivity. Unlike existing subtractive 3D methods, this new method removes the need for two acquisitions and is insensitive to elevated diastolic flow or arrhythmia unlike existing subtractive 3D methods. In-vivo tests on healthy volunteers show excellent depiction of arteries over a wide range of velocity-saturation bandwidths.