Multi-sequence non-contrast MRI characterization of deep vein thrombosis in man

Background Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) remains an important medical condition. The biophysical characteristics of thrombus may determine the response to endovascular interventions. We demonstrated that multi-sequence thrombus imaging (MSTI) using magnetization transfer rate (MTR), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and T1 mapping can characterize thrombus organization and identify thrombi amenable to thrombolysis in a murine model. Here, we investigate whether MSTI can be translated to man and how these measurements associate with the outcome of intervention. Methods MSTI was performed in patients with ilio-femoral DVT undergoing lysis at 3T using a 32-channel coil. T2-prepared, bSSFP MR venography (MRV) was acquired with: TR/TE=4.2/2.1ms, flip angle=700, FOV=220x299x200mm, matrix=112x148, slice thickness=2mm, resolution= 2x2mm, averages=1, T2-prep-echo-time=30ms. 3D T1-weighted spoiled-GRE images were acquired with and without an on-resonance MT pre-pulse with: TR/TE=69/ 2.2ms, flip angle=180, FOV=220x299x198mm, matrix= 112x148, slice thickness=6mm, resolution=2x2mm, averages=1. The binomial-block MT pre-pulse had a