Non-contrast-enhanced MR venography of the upper limb: a comparative study of acquisitions with fresh blood imaging vs. time-of-flight methods.

ABSTRACT

Non-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance venography (MRV) of the upper limb acquired by fresh blood imaging (FBI) was compared with time-of-flight (TOF)-MRV. Visualization of three veins (basilic, brachial, and cephalic veins), small branches, and fat suppression was evaluated with a four-point scale (0-3). FBI-MRV was significantly superior for the basilic veins and small venous branches and equivalent for the brachial and cephalic veins to TOF-MRV, with no difference in fat suppression. FBI-MRV would be useful in venous mapping and detection of thrombus.