MR angiography in the evaluation of atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease

Magnetic resonance (MR) angiography of lower extremity occlusive vascular d isease has evolved into a feasible diagnostic imaging option. The previous emphasis on time-of-flight techniques was associated with lengthy acquisiti on times and artifactual signal losses. Those limitations presented an obst acle to widespread clinical implementation. However, the emergence of rapid imaging sequences combined with gadolinium chelate enhancement offers time -efficient alternatives that can yield a truer representation of the vascul ar anatomic structure. The technology is now poised to serve as a routine s creening study, provided that radiologists understand all factors needed to generate clinically relevant MR angiograms. This article is intended to pr ovide a useful resource directed toward achieving that understanding.