Beyond TOF MRA: Review of Flow Imaging Techniques

Abstract

MRA is essential for neurovascular evaluation with applications in anatomic mapping, atherosclerotic disease, stroke, aneurysm, vascular malformations, and vascular dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases. TOF MRA is the most used MRA technique but has some disadvantages. Many new and important advancements in flow imaging have emerged both without and with the use of contrast agents. The purpose of this article was to highlight appropriate advantages, pitfalls, and applications for both traditional and more advanced MRA techniques including TOF, phase contrast MRA, 4D flow, arterial spin-labeling, and contrast-enhanced MRA techniques.Learning Objective: To review TOF MRA and explore the advantages, disadvantages, and applications of alternative MRA techniques without and with contrast including phase contrast MRA, arterial spin-labeling MRA, and other novel contrast-enhanced MRA techniques