Method for imaging abdominal aorta and aortic aneurysms
First Claim
1. A method of imaging an aorta in a patient using magnetic resonance imaging, comprising,performing an imaging sequence to image at least a portion of the aorta, including,administering a magnetic resonance contrast agent to the patient;
- andcollecting data which is representative of a center of k-space when a concentration of the contrast agent in the aorta is substantially higher than a concentration of the contrast agent in veins adjacent to the aorta.
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Abstract
The present invention is a technique and apparatus for acquiring anatomic information used in diagnosing and characterizing abdominal aortic aneurismal disease and the like. This technique provides anatomic information, in the form of images, using a combination of a plurality of magnetic resonance angiography sequences, including a spin-echo and four contrast enhanced (e.g., gadolinium) magnetic resonance angiography sequences. The anatomic images may be used in, for example, pre-operative, operative and post-operative evaluation of aortic pathology, including aneurysms, atherosclerosis, and occlusive disease of branch vessels such as the renal arteries. The gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography provides sufficient anatomic detail to detect aneurysms and all relevant major branch vessel abnormalities seen at angiography operation. This technique and apparatus allows for imaging the aorta at a fraction of the cost of conventional aortography and without the risks of arterial catheterization or iodinated contrast.
119 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of imaging an aorta in a patient using magnetic resonance imaging, comprising,
performing an imaging sequence to image at least a portion of the aorta, including, administering a magnetic resonance contrast agent to the patient; - and
collecting data which is representative of a center of k-space when a concentration of the contrast agent in the aorta is substantially higher than a concentration of the contrast agent in veins adjacent to the aorta. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of imaging at least a portion of an aorta in a patient using magnetic resonance imaging comprising,
performing a 3D gradient echo imaging sequence to obtain at least one image of the aorta, including, administering magnetic resonance contrast agent to the patient; - and
collecting data for imaging the aorta including collecting data which is representative of a center of k-space when the concentration of the contrast agent in the aorta is substantially elevated. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of imaging a portion of an aorta in a patient using magnetic resonance imaging, said method comprising,
performing a 3D gradient echo imaging sequence to obtain at least one image of the aorta, including, administering magnetic resonance contrast agent to the patient; - and
collecting image data which is representative of a center of k-space while a concentration of the contrast agent in the aorta is substantially elevated. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification