Nuclear magnetic resonance angiography: principles and uses
Lanzer, P.; Bohning, D.
Zeitschrift für Kardiologie 79(4): 247-260
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-5860 PMID: 2192512 Document Number: 364550
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) angiography is a novel concept in vascular imaging. The method is noninvasive and contrast agents are not required. As in radiographic arteriography, the morphology of the intima is defined indirectly by visualizing the vessel lumen. Similar to vascular ultrasound, the blood flow and the arterial wall dynamics can be studied. NMR angiography is based on a modulation of the amplitude or the phase of the resonance signal due to the motion of the blood in conjunction with a modified two- or three-dimensional (2D; 3D) imaging pulse sequence. Based on the currently available evidence, neurovascular pathology is optimally visualized using the nontriggered 3D inflow angiography. The peripheral vascular pathology was successfully imaged using the sequential 2D inflow approach. Suboptimal definition of vascular lesions currently represents the most important limitation of the available angiographic technology. Due to the limited clinical experience it would be premature to predict the future role of NMR angiography in vascular medicine. The efforts to further develop and clinically test this highly promising technology are, however, fully justified.