Vascular Imaging Clinical Protocols: Subclavian Artery














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

Vascular Imaging Clinical Protocols

Subclavian Artery

Last updated: 12/3/2002

Coils: phased array. Center patient off-center to include side of interest as well as chest.

20cc Gadolinium contrast (*) or (if BILATERAL disease is suspected then may use DILUTE GAD 20 cc + saline 20 cc or inject the FOOT)

IV on contralateral side of pathology

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

Call body radiologist.

NOTE: IF SUSPECT THORACIC INLET OR OUTLET SYNDROME, BEGIN WITH ARMS UP

Sequence	Plane	Comment	Film #
DB Haste	Ax	Extend thru chest (phase encoding A-P)	1
Sat down	Ax		1
2D TOF	Ax	To cover carotid bifurcation.	0
3D FLASH	Straight Sag	1 measure. Use small FOV. 512 Try to minimize actual effective thickness (as small as 1mm) If attention to vertebral arteries use a coronal slab.
Timing Run	Ax	Thru mid neck – 1cc of contrast at 2cc/sec followed by 20 cc saline at 2cc/sec.
3D FLASH	Sag	2 measures (7 sec gap; 2^nd run may be done on inspiration) Inject 20cc of Gd at 2cc/sec followed by 20cc saline at 2cc/sec. Standard timing formula.	2,0
Subtract		First 3D Flash post-pre

(*) 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.