Background suppression using magnetization preparation for contrast-enhanced 3D MR angiography of the pelvic and lower leg arteries

Purpose: To develop and evaluate non-slab-selective magnetization preparation in contrast-enhanced 3D-MR angiography. Methods: An ultrafast spoiled mr angiography sequence (FLASH) with non-selective inversion prepulses for background suppression was implemented on a 1.5 T MR system. In 11 patients gadobenate dimeglumine-enhanced mr-angiography of the pelvic and lower leg arteries was performed using the AngioSURF device. Source data was evaluated for contrast-to-noise-ratio, image quality and the extent of background suppression. Results: Background suppression and selective vessel contrast was excellent in all vascular levels. The mr protocol was comfortable and easy-to-handle. Abandonment of precontrast-series acquisition simplified the examination procedure markedly. Conclusions: Magnetization preparation provides efficient suppression of the background signal in contrast-enhanced 3D mr angiography of the pelvic and lower leg arteries. Since no subtraction technique is needed, moving-bed and whole body MRA-protocols can be simplified significantly.