PERIPHERAL ANGIOGRAPHY AND ATHEROSCLEROSIS Peripheral MR Angiography

Peripheral MR Angiography is rapidly developing and becoming the standard method for eval-uating peripheral vascular disease. MRA allows accurate and detailed assessment of peripheral vasculature without requiring arterial catheterization, nephrotoxic contrast, or ionizing radia-tion. Latest improvements in this area include time-resolved MR angiography, stepping table bolus chase 3D MR angiography, fluoro-triggering, sub-systolic thigh compression to eliminate venous contamination, and parallel imaging. This article reviews these advances, describes how to use them effectively and how to avoid common pitfalls