Three-dimensional magnetic resonance coronary angiography using a new blood pool contrast agent: Initial experience

Willemijn L.F. Bedaux, Mark B.M. Hofman, Piotr A. Wielopolski, Carel C. De Cock, Volker Hoffmann, Matthijs Oudkerk, Pim J. De Feyter, Albert C. Van Rossum

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12 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this feasibility study was to assess the effect of a new blood pool contrast agent on magnetic resonance coronary angiography (MRCA) in patients suspected of having coronary artery disease. Methods: Nine patients referred for diagnostic x-ray coronary angiography in the evaluation of chest pain underwent MRCA using a thin-slab three-dimensional (3D) breath-hold segmented gradient echo technique at 1.5T before and after intravenous administration of feruglose, a new blood pool contrast agent. Results: A total of 36 coronary arteries, including 15 stenoses were evaluated. Overall agreement of visually assessed stenoses > 50% was 86%. The mean signal-to-noise ratio in the left anterior descending artery (LAD) did not change significantly after contrast administration, a relative improvement of 1.2 ± 0.4 (p = 0.1), whereas the mean contrast-to-noise ratio of blood to myocardium improved by 3 ± 2 (p = 0.01). Conclusion: A thin-slab 3D breath-hold scan combined with feruglose allows rapid localization and coverage of the proximal coronary arteries.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)273-282
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance
Volume4
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 17 Jun 2002

Keywords

  • Coronary angiography
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Intravascular contrast agent
  • Magnetic resonance imaging

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