Vascular Imaging Clinical Protocols: Abdominal Aorta MRA














New York University School of Medicine Department of Radiology
Suggestions/Comments

Vascular Imaging Clinical Protocols

Abdominal Aorta MRA

Last updated: 12/2002

Phased array coil centered over abdomen

20 cc Gadolinium contrast (*)

Assess the patient’s breath holding capability. If poor capability, give oxygen. If the patient can’t hold his/her breath call body radiologist.

Run sequences in the order listed.

Sequence	Plane	Comment	Film #
optional STIR	Ax	do this if history of aortitis	1
HASTE	Cor	No fat sat. 5-6mm slices	1
VIBE	Ax	Thru Kidneys	0
3D FLASH	COR	Use 512 matrix. Try to get effective thickness less than 1.5 mm. Want to include celiac and SMA and renal arteries	0
Timing Run	Ax	Thru kidneys – 1cc at 2cc/sec followed by 20 cc saline at 2cc/sec	0
3D FLASH	COR	Two measures (with 7 sec between) Second measure may be done on inspiration. Standard timing run.	0
VIBE	Ax	History to prior	1
Do Subtractions		1-Arterial phase – pre-contrast 2 vibe post-pre	0

NOTE: IF SUSPECT AORTITIS ADD AXIAL STIRS THROUGH AORTA

(*) The use of gadolinium contrast material for these applications represents off-label usage in the U.S. Outside the U.S., please consult your country's regulations for local guidelines.

NOTE: These protocols apply to Siemens Symphony (with Quantum gradients) and Sonata systems. While they reflect the protocols used at NYU Medical Center, NYU is not responsible for their application elsewhere.