Table 2:

3D contrast protocol

Name3D TOF3D MPRAGEPrecontrast and Postcontrasta 3D T1WI SPACE/Cube/VISTA
Plaque featureStenosis, ulceration, calcificationIntraplaque hemorrhagePlaque burden and distribution, LRNC
SequencebFFE/SPGRIR-TFE/SPGRTSE/FSE
Image mode3D3D3D
Scan planeAxialCoronalCoronal
TR (ms)24151000
TE (ms)4.6Minimum30
FOV (cm)16 × 1616 × 1616 × 16
Resolution (mm2)0.6 × 0.60.6 × 0.60.6 × 0.6
Slice thickness (mm)1c0.60.6
Blood suppressionSaturation–veinsNoneMSDE/FSDd
Special parametersFlip angle = 20°Flip angle = 15°Echo-train: variable
TI = 500 msVFA T1
Turbo factor = 30, IRTR = 800 ms
Fat suppressionNoYes (water excitation)Yes
  • a Clinical CE-MRA per institutional protocol can be used before postcontrast sequence.

  • b Siemens/Philips/GE acronyms.

  • c Interpolated resolution.

  • d Pulse gating not required for any sequence.