Local re-inversion coronary MR angiography: Arterial spin-labeling without the need for subtraction

Purpose: To implement a double-inversion bright-blood coronary MR angiography sequence using a cylindrical reinversion prepulse for selective visualization of the coronary arteries. Materials and Methods: Local re-inverslon bright-blood magnetization preparation was implemented using a non-selective inversion followed by a cylindrical aortic re-inversion prepulse. After an inversion delay that allows for inflow of the labeled blood-pool into the coronary arteries, three-dimensional radial steady-state free-precession (SSFP) imaging (repetition/echo time, 7.2/3.6 ms; flip angle, 120°, 16 profiles per RR interval; field of view, 360 mm; matrix, 512, twelve 3-mm slices) is performed. Coronary MR angiography was performed in three healthy volunteers and in one patient on a commercial 1.5 Tesla whole-body MR System. Results: In all subjects, coronary arteries were selectively visualized with positive contrast. In addition, a middle-grade stenosis of the proximal right coronary artery was seen in one patient. Conclusion: A novel T1 contrast-enhancement strategy is presented for selective visualization of the coronary arteries without extrinsic contrast medium application. In comparison to former arterial spin-labeling schemes, the proposed magnetization preparation obviates the need for a second data set and subtraction.