Vascular Imaging Clinical Protocols: Thoracic Aorta














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

Vascular Imaging Clinical Protocols

Thoracic Aorta

Last updated: 5/9/2002

EKG leads.

Right sided IV.

Coils: phased array over chest.

20cc Gadolinium contrast (*)

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

Sequence	Plane	Comment	Film #
DB Haste	Ax	Gated. (phase encoding A-P)	2
DB Haste	Obl Sag	Gated.	2
TrueFisp	Ax		0
3D FLASH	Obl Sag	1 measure. Use FOV 450-475. 512 or 256 matrix	0
Timing Run	Ax	Thru mid descending aorta – 1-2cc of the contrast mix at 2cc/sec followed by 20 cc saline at 2cc/sec.	0
3D FLASH	Obl 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.	0
VIBE	Ax	1 measure	1
MIP		Subtract if necessary.	2

(*) 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.