DEMONSTRATION OF THE VENOUS SYSTEMS WITH GADOLINIUM-ENHANCED 3-DIMENSIONAL PHASE-CONTRAST MR VENOGRAPHY

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness and advantage s of gadolinium-enhanced three-dimensional phase-contrast MR venograph y for demonstrating the venous systems. The three-dimensional phase-co ntrast MR venography was performed with a velocity encoding gradient s ettings from 5 to 20 cm/s on 22 normal subjects. In 8 of normal subjec ts, gadolinium-enhanced phase-contrast MR venography was performed. 22 subjects (100%) had detectable flow in the sphenoparietal sinus, tran sverse sinus, basal vein, and internal cerebral vein. With a VENC sett ing at 10 cm/s, venous system was visualized selectively and clearly. Detection ratio in inferior petrosal sinus, superior petrosal sinus, a nd superior ophthalmic vein increased from 0% to 25%, from 28.6% to 62 .5%, and from 28.6% to 37.5%, respectively, after administration of ga dopentate dimeglumine. In conclusion, gadolinium-enhanced three-dimens ional phase-contrast MR venography was useful for demonstrating the ve nous systems.