Three-dimensional low dose gadolinium-enhanced peripheral MR venography

Our initial experience with low dose contrast-enhanced (LCE) peripheral MR venography (MRV) is presented. Five subjects were studied using three-dimen sional (3D) fast imaging with a steady-state precession (FISP) sequence. A dose of 60 mi of gadopentetate dimeglumine diluted 1:20 was used. A tourniq uet was applied during lower extremity MR venography. The venous anatomy wa s well depicted with the 3D LCE technique in all subjects. Compared to the two-dimensional (2D) time-of-flight (TOF) technique, acquisition time of 3D LCE MRV was much shorter, images looked sharper, and more veins could be s een. It is not affected by in-plane saturation and can be performed repeate dly because of the low dose of contrast. This technique holds promise for t he detection of venous thrombosis and other disorders.