Vascular Imaging Clinical Protocols: Claudication














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

Vascular Imaging Clinical Protocols

Claudication

Last updated: 12/3/2002

Position the patient feet first on the table.

Coils: Dedicated peripheral coil over the legs and phased array over the abdomen.

30cc Gadolinium contrast (*) + 20 cc saline.

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

Sequence	Plane	Comment	Film #
TrueFISP upper leg	3-plane	Through expected	0
TrueFISP pelvis	3-plane	Breath hold.	0
Timing Run	Ax	Thru femoral heads: 1 cc of the contrast at 2cc/sec followed by 20 cc saline at 2cc/sec. Try to check both sides.	0
3D FLASH pelvis	Cor	Minimize slab and acq time (goal <15 sec). 512 matrix. 1 measure. Non-breath-hold.	0
3D FLASH upper leg	Cor		0
Re-run prior 2 sequences post-contrast.		Inject 20 cc at 2cc/sec followed by 10 cc at 1cc/sec. Use timing formula.	0
VIBE	Ax	Large slab through the abdomen. 5mm effective thickness.	0
VIBE	Ax	Through the knees if popliteal aneurysm is suspected. These sequences may also help for venogram analysis.	0

(*) 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.