Synopsis

This presentation focuses on the basic principles of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography with emphasis on these foundations:

1 - Administration of intravenous contrast agent to provide contrast by shortening T1 of blood in the vessel lumen relative to background tissues

2 - Timing of the scan to coincide with contrast agent arrival in vascular bed of interest using bolus tracking or test bolus methods

3 - Scan parameters that influence image quality

CE-MRA can be performed in first pass, dynamically, in ’extended phase’ (equilibrium / steady state) or combinations thereof, the advantages and trade-offs involved in each will be explored.