Patent ID: 6662038
Filing Date: 2003-12-09
Classification: A61B,A61K,G01R

Abstract:
A method of imaging a portion of the aorta of a patient using a magnetic resonance imaging system, the method comprising:determining an arrival time of a test bolus in a region of interest; correlating an administration of a magnetic resonance contrast agent with an acquisition of magnetic resonance image data using the arrival time of the test bolus; administering the magnetic resonance contrast agent to the patient; and acquiring the magnetic resonance image data using a 3D pulse sequence having a TR which is less than about 25 milliseconds, a TE which is less than about 7 milliseconds, and a slice thickness of less than about 4 millimeters, wherein the image data is acquired while the concentration of the contrast agent in the portion of the aorta is greater than a concentration of the contrast agent in veins and background tissue adjacent to the portion of the aorta.