Magnetic resonance portography using contrast-enhanced fat-saturated three-dimensional steady-state free precession imaging

Purpose: To assess the feasibility of contrast-enhanced fat-saturated three-dimensional steady-state free precession (FIESTA) imaging for contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) portography. Materials and Methods: Contrast-enhanced fat-saturated three-dimensional fast spoiled gradient-echo (SPGR) and FIESTA were performed as MR portography. In 10 cases, fat-saturated three-dimensional FIESTA was first performed and followed by fast SPGR, and the order of post-contrast imaging was reversed in the other 10 cases. Signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) were estimated for portal and visceral veins on the source images. The visualization of portal vein was scored on three-dimensional MR portography. Portal venous system disorders were assessed using three-dimensional MR portography. Results: The SNRs, CNRs, and visual assessment of portal and visceral veins were significantly higher in contrast-enhanced fat-saturated three-dimensional FIESTA than contrast-enhanced fat-saturated three-dimensional fast SPGR (P<0.05). The contrast-enhanced fat-saturated three-dimensional FIESTA provided high venous signals even at 8 minutes after gadolinium injection. The abnormalities of portal venous system were well visualized with MR portography using contrast-enhanced fat-saturated three-dimensional FIESTA. Conclusion: Contrast-enhanced fat-saturated three-dimensional FIESTA was valuable for MR portography, with flexible time window and high vascular signals. This imaging may allow for other post-contrast imaging options before portography and release patients from consecutive breath-holds.