MR-based assessment of vascular morphology and function.

Initially, time-of-flight angiography found its way into clinical routine for imaging vascular morphology. In conjunction with phase-contrast imaging, functional and morphological assessment of vascular pathology became possible. The flow dependence and associated artifacts inherent to these techniques have restricted the clinical use of these magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) techniques to the extra- and intracranial arterial, as well as the systemic and portal, venous systems. With the advent of high-performance gradient systems a new, promising MRA strategy has been developed: contrast-enhanced 3D MR angiography. It is based on the combination of rapid 3D imaging and the T1-shortening effect of intravenously infused paramagnetic contrast. This review provides a technical overview and critically discusses the clinical application for the different MRA techniques regarding morphological as well as functional assessment of the vascular system.