Single breath - hold three - dimensional magnetic resonance contrast - enhanced portography and preliminary application

Objective To evaluate the method of the single breath - hold three - dimensional dynamic contrast - enhanced magnetic resonance portography (3D DCE MRP) and its preliminary clinical application. Methods Following T1WI and T2WI, 3D DCE MRP was performed in 40 subjectives. After a bolus injection of Gd - DTPA 20 - 30ml by hand intravenously, consecutive 3 groups of data acquisition was done during 3 respective breath - hold period.The portal veins and other vessels in the region of interest in source images were reconstructed with maximum intensity projection (MIP) technique.The quality of all images was assessed and the patency of portal vein, splenetic vein, superior mesenteric vein as well as collateral vessels was analyzed.Results Except one case, the image quality in 39 cases was satisfactory.The vasculature of portal vein trunk and its 3 - 5 grade intrahepatic branches, splenetic vein, superior mesenteric vein was well visualized in 20 cases without portal hypertension.Portal hypertension may appear as enlarged superior mesenteric vein and portal vein, thrombotic occlusion of the portal trunk, diminished intrahepatic branches of the portal vein, tortous and enlarged splenetic vein, and the formation of the collateral vessels. Conclusion 3D DCE MRP was a effective method in evaluating portal venous system, it could be used to diagnose liver diseases and assess treatment.