Imaging Anatomical Evaluation Of Spinal Artery With 3.0T 3D-CE-MRA

ObjectiveTo evaluate the ability of 3.0 T three diamensions contrast-enhanced MR angiography (3D-CE-MRA) in identifying the imaging anatomic characteristics of main spinal arteries.Methods34patients underwent thoracoabdominal spinal cord contrast-enhanced MRI and 3D-CE-MRA with 3.0 T MR. After subtraction, the MRA images were postprocessed using maximum intensity projection (MIP), multiplanar reformation (MPR) and curve planar reformation (CPR), which were used to evaluate the anatomical features of main spinal artery, that were:①The demonstration of anterior spinal artery (ASA)and the Adamkiewicz artery (AKA);②the imaging anatomical characteristics of ASA;③the imaging anatomical characteristics of AKA.ResultsASA was clearly displayed in 31 of 34 patients(91.2%). the extent was from T7 to L3 vertebra. MRA revealed AKA in 29 cases (29/34,85.3%) of which 5 cases with duplications of AKA. AKA originating from the left intercostal or lumbar arteries was identified in 19 cases (19/34,65.5%).28(28/29,96.6%) patients'AKA originate from the level of T8 to L2. The average diameter of the ASA was (1.20±0.22)mm and there was no sex-specific propensity (1.16±0.22)mm in male group, (1.25±0.21)mm in female group. The average diameter of the base segment of AKA was (1.06±0.29)mm and there was no sex-specific propensity(1.11±0.28)mm in male group, (1.01±0.30)mm in female group. The average diameter of the characteristic hairpin turn of AKA was (1.03±0.18)mm, (1.02±0.15)mm in male group, (1.04±0.21)mm in female group. The average transit time was (19.86±3.46)s, (19.53±3.48)s in male group, (20.20±3.54)s in female group. Above all, the average diameter and transit time were found no sex-specific propensity(P>0.05).ConclusionThe anatomy of spinal vascular is complicated and the 3.0 T 3D-CE-MRA with adapted image reformation can depict the main spinal artery and its variants.