Keywords:
Abdomen, Liver, Vascular, MR, MR-Angiography, Technology assessment, Imaging sequences, Technical aspects, Image verification, Cancer, Cirrhosis
Authors:
T. Yoshikawa1, N. Aoyama1, N. Kanata1, Y. Kyotani1, S. Satou2, T. Kanda1, H. Koyama1, M. Nishio1, Y. Ohno1; 1Kobe/JP, 2Otawara/JP
DOI:
10.1594/ecr2013/C-1793
Methods and Materials
This study comprised 31 patients (13 men and 18 women,
mean age: 65.6 years) who were suspected to have malignant tumor in the liver,
bile duct,
or pancreas,
all of whom underwent MR examination at a 3T scanner (Titan 3T,
Toshiba Medical Systems,
Ohtawara,
Japan).
Non-contrast hepatic MR arteriography were obtained with 3D-true SSFP (TR/TE/FA=4.8/2.4/90-110,
matrix: 256×256(ZIP),
thk: 2.0mm,
34slice,
NEX: 1,
resp.
trigger,
scan time: 5-7min,
STIR,
TI: 230) with selective IR pulse (black blood inversion time (BBTI): 1500).
BBTI was set according to the preliminary results using 5 healthy volunteers.
Visualization of HA was independently scored by two abdominal radiologists on a 4-point scale (1: common HA,
2: proper HA,
3: right and left HAs,
4: branches of right and left HAs).
Scores of 3 or 4 were assessed to be clinically acceptable.
In Addition,
visualization of right,
left,
and segment 4 HAs was scored on a 4-point scale (1: not visualized,
2: partially,
3: totally,
4: totally and well).
Anatomy of HA was classified using Michels classification.
In patients with bile duct or pancreatic malignancies,
presence of arterial encasement indicating vascular invasion were recorded.
Irregular respiration and visualization of bile duct or inferior vena cava (IVC) were recorded and their effects on HA visualization were assessed.