Simultaneous Angiography and Venography Techniques Compared at 7T

Introduction: Two techniques have been presented in the last year to acquire both angiographic and venographic information in a single acquisition (MRAV) using susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI). One uses a double echo approach with the shorter echo used for the angiography and the longer echo used for the venography (1). The other uses a single echo that is a compromise between the two with a contrast agent used to improve image quality (2). In this work we sought to apply and compare both of these techniques at 7T with the exception of not using a contrast agent with the single echo sequence. 7T should offer advantages for the single echo technique as the optimal echo time for the venography shortens with field strength bringing it closer to the short echo time needed for a good angiography possibly alleviating the need for a contrast agent.