Non-contrast-enhanced MR angiography of the thoracic aorta using a whole-chest 3D steady-state with free-precession technique

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is a valuable method of evaluating the thoracic aorta in a variety of clinical situations, including assessing patients with aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, intramural hematomas, penetrating ulcerative plaques, dissections, stenoses, or congenital anomalies. Various MR techniques have been validated to assess the size and morphology of the aorta. 2 Current MRA protocols rely on contrast material enhanced sequences to image the aorta. For patients with difficult intravenous access, renal insufficiency or who are pregnant, non-contrast-enhanced MRA techniques could be an alternative method to evaluate the vasculature. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of a non-contrast technique for aortic MR angiography using a non-selective, segmented 3D steadystate with free precession technique (TrueFISP) with motion adaptive respiratory navigators.