Optimizing flip angle and injection rate for combined first pass and steady state imaging of the supraaortic vasculature using gadofosveset trisodium at 1.5 T MRI – a volunteer study

Introduction Recently, the intravascular MR contrast agent gadofosveset trisodium has been clinically approved for use in the European market. The contrast agent has a high reversible affinity to human serum albumin, which leads to a prolonged presence in the blood stream. The prolonged intravascular contrast allows acquiring high-resolution MRA data sets during steady state, but optimized imaging protocols are still under investigation. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal injection rate for first pass imaging studies and the optimal flip angle using high resolution steady state spoiled gradient echo MRA pulse sequence for the supra-aortic vessels.