Unenhanced flow-independent MR venography by using signal targeting alternative radiofrequency and flow-independent relaxation enhancement.

The purpose of this study was to provide the initial description of the signal targeting using alternative radiofrequency and flow-independent relaxation enhancement (STARFIRE) technique and demonstrate clinical feasibility by imaging the deep and superficial veins of the lower extremities in a small cohort of healthy subjects and patients with peripheral venous disease. STARFIRE is a flow-independent technique for unenhanced magnetic resonance (MR) angiography. An adiabatic inversion pulse is applied to all spins on alternative acquisitions followed by complex subtraction. Blood vessels appear bright with uniform suppression of fat and muscle signals. Following approval by the hospital institutional review board and with written, informed consent, six healthy patients and four with peripheral venous disease were studied. The results demonstrate the clinical feasibility of STARFIRE to depict the deep and superficial venous systems of the lower extremities, and suggest the need for addition clinical evaluation. (c) RSNA, 2009.