A new strategy for imaging blood vessels in the legs using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging

Imaging of the blood vessels in the legs using magnetic resonance (AM) presents a unique challenge in that high-resolution coverage over afield-of-view (FOV) > 100 cm is required. Currently, MR angiography (MRA) of the lower limbs is achieved by a three- or four-station technique that requires moving the patient and multiple injections of a contrast agent. It is, therefore, a relatively slow process typically requiring > 5 min. In this project, the suitability of a novel real-time, interactive large FOV imaging technique is investigated for leg angiography. The new technique is based on interactively moving the acquired data window in conjunction with the use of a novel data acquisition order. When performed in conjunction with a single intravenous injection of contrast agent, this approach allows a comprehensive, three-dimensional study of the vasculature tree from the level of renal artery bifurcations through to the feet in about a minute. Here, we report on a proof-of-concept and on some specific acquisition orders.