Use of blood pool agents with steady-state MRI to assess the vascular system.

Over the past two decades there have been significant advances in the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess the vascular system. New imaging sequences and improvements in magnet design have enabled the creation of higher spatial resolution images. MRI is now a viable alternative imaging modality when compared to both invasive angiography and computed tomographic angiography. The use of blood pool agents has further facilitated the use of MR angiography (MRA); their high molecular weight allows for lower doses of contrast medium administration while their prolonged presence in the blood stream allows for repeated high-quality volumetric imaging of both the arterial and venous circulation. As such, MRA is now no longer constrained by the tight windows for first-pass arterial and venous enhancement, which has resulted in the ability to assess and diagnose a large range of vascular pathologies in both arterial and venous systems. The intent of this review is to highlight MRI findings in common vascular pathologies including peripheral arterial disease (PAD), abnormalities of the abdominal aortic branches, postendovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) endoleak assessment, popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES), deep venous thrombosis (DVT), vascular thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), and vascular malformations. In addition, the latest MRI techniques currently used to optimally assess each of these pathologies will be discussed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5 Technical Efficacy: Stage 3 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;45:1559-1572.

Internal Herniation Through Foramen of Winslow: A Diagnosis Not to Be Missed.

INTRODUCTION: Hernias through the foramen of Winslow are extremely rare, accounting for 0.1% of all abdominal hernias. Delayed diagnosis is often observed, resulting in bowel strangulation and high mortality. METHOD: We present a case of a patient with strangulated ileum herniated through the foramen of Winslow. Recent literature review was undertaken on "PubMed" as a search platform using the keywords "foramen of Winslow" and "hernia". CASE SUMMARY: A 66-year-old man presented acutely with severe epigastric pain and vomiting. An emergency computed tomography scan revealed a loop of ileum in the lesser sac. At emergency laparotomy, a herniated loop of ileum that had become strangulated at its entry to the lesser sac via the foramen of Winslow was confirmed. The loop of ileum was reduced but was nonviable, which had to be resected with a primary anastomosis. The patient's postoperative recovery was uneventful. CONCLUSION: Herniation through the foramen of Winslow is a difficult diagnosis and must not be missed. Early cross-sectional imaging and surgical intervention are advised in order to reduce morbidity.