Flow-independent magnetic resonance venography of the calf

Abstract

Purpose: To show that flow-independent venography that exploit the intrinsic MR properties of blood to isolate vessels from surrounding structures can be used for depiction of peripheral veins and for detection of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Materials and Methods: Sequence and parameters were first determined on a theoretical basis. The sequence was then optimized in volunteers (N = 4) for the depiction of the peripheral venous vessels. Qualitative evaluation of the normal venous anatomy was performed in five volunteers. The feasibility of diagnosing DVT of the calf with this method was evaluated with preliminary clinical studies. Results: Excellent depiction of the venous anatomy was achieved in all volunteers with the optimized technique. Very small venous structures, such as superficial, muscular, and perforator veins, were clearly depicted because of the high spatial and contrast resolution capacities of the sequences. In all six patients, DVT findings diagnosed by duplex sonography were also seen on MR venography. Conclusion: Venous anatomy mapping and detection of lower-limb DVT appear feasible using flow-independent MR venograms.