Rapid imaging of peripheral vascular calcifications using in-phase, two-dimensional radial flash at 3 Tesla

Background The presence of dense peripheral vascular calcifications has negative prognostic implications in patients with peripheral arterial disease. In addition, the presence of dense calcifications may alter the choice of peripheral access site for patients undergoing percutaneous revascularization or TAVR procedures. Peripheral MR angiography is commonly used as an alternative to CT angiography for the evaluation of patients with PAD. While peripheral vascular calcifications are readily depicted with CT angiography, they are inapparent with MR angiography. We have previously demonstrated the ability of tailored 3D acquisitions to detect peripheral vascular calcifications [1]. However, these acquisitions are time-consuming and sensitive to patient motion. In order to overcome these limitations, we developed an alternative 2D approach using an in-phase radial FLASH pulse sequence. The technique was evaluated it in patients with peripheral vascular calcifications, using CT as the reference standard.