Optimization of contrast-enhanced MR angiography of the hands with a timing bolus and elliptically reordered 3D pulse sequence

Our objective was to optimize bolus administration and sequence setting in gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) angiography of the hands. Ellip tically reordered three-dimensional (3D) spoiled gradient-echo sequence wit h non-slab-selective radio frequency excitation was optimized according to the measurements of arterial and venous time-signal curves in 21 patients. Great variations in bolus arrival time and arterio-venous transit time coul d be observed. In most patients high-quality arterial depiction could be ob tained with minor venous contamination. Contrast-to-noise, spatial resoluti on, and selective arterial filling is still a challenge for 3D MR angiograp hy of the hand but can be optimized using Gadolinium-BOPTA and a dedicated pulse sequence setting with exact bolus timing.