MR VENOGRAPHY OF THE ABDOMEN

Purpose: To evaluate the image quality of magnetic resonance venograph y (MRV) of pelvic and abdominal veins. Methods: A retrospective analys is of all MRV between 1993 and 1996 was conducted. A 2D-FLASH-TOF with out breath hold and with arterial presaturation was used. All venous s egments have been assessed for the quality of visualisation and an ove rall image quality was determined. 43% of our patients had malignant d isease and phlebothrombosis had already been diagnosed in 64%. Results : 126 examinations and 1696 Venous segments were analysed. The overall quality of the examinations was good, however one examination was non diagnostic because of motion artefacts.Vessels along the vertical axi s were good visualised in over 90%. Most important reasons for insuffi cient visualisation were breathing, motion and metal artefacts as well as compression and displacement of veins due to tumour disease. Concl usions: Magnetic resonance venography without breath hold TOF techniqu e is practical and robust for routine clinical applications.