Randomly segmented central k-space ordering in high-spatial-resolution contrast-enhanced MR angiography of the supraaortic arteries: Initial experience

Contrast material-enhanced three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance (MR) angiography of the supraaortic arteries with randomly segmented central k-space ordering (ie, contrast-enhanced timing-robust angiography [CENTRA]) was performed in 16 patients. CENTRA enabled reliable depiction of the aortic arch up to the circle of Willis at high spatial resolution (true voxel size, 0.81 X 0.81 X 1.0 mm(3)). With CENTRA, the divergent demands of, high spatial resolution, wide anatomic coverage, arterial phase imaging have been reconciled. The random order of central k-space acquisition may minimize artifacts in contrast-enhanced 3D MR,angiography caused by unstable contrast material opacification at the initiation of sampling. (C) RSNA, 2002.