Three-dimensional electrocardiographically gated variable flip angle FSE imaging for MR angiography of the hands at 3.0 T: initial experience.

After institutional review board approval and informed consent were obtained for this HIPAA-compliant investigation, a three-dimensional electrocardiographically gated variable flip angle (VFA) fast spin-echo magnetic resonance (MR) angiography technique was evaluated as an unenhanced method for imaging hand arteries in 13 subjects (including four patients) at 3.0 T; this included evaluation of vessel visualization with warming and cooling in seven subjects. Examinations were evaluated for image quality and vessel conspicuity. Clear separation of arteries from veins was achieved in all subjects, with excellent vessel conspicuity and depiction of stenoses. Warming improved vessel visualization in healthy volunteers. VFA MR angiography is a high-spatial-resolution technique that enables the assessment of vascular reactivity in response to temperature challenge.