Demonstration of the venous systems with gadolinium-enhanced three-dimensional phase-contrast MR venography.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness and advantages of gadolinium-enhanced three-dimensional phase-contrast MR venography for demonstrating the venous systems. The three-dimensional phase-contrast MR venography was performed with a velocity encoding gradient settings from 5 to 20 cm/s on 22 normal subjects. In 8 of normal subjects, gadolinium-enhanced phase-contrast MR venography was performed. 22 subjects (100%) had detectable flow in the sphenoparietal sinus, transverse sinus, basal vein, and internal cerebral vein. With a VENC setting at 10 cm/s, venous system was visualized selectively and clearly. Detection ratio in inferior petrosal sinus, superior petrosal sinus, and superior ophthalmic vein increased from 0% to 25%, from 28.6% to 62.5%, and from 28.6% to 37.5%, respectively, after administration of gadopentate dimeglumine. In conclusion, gadolinium-enhanced three-dimensional phase-contrast MR venography was useful for demonstrating the venous systems.