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TWIST\TRICKS Dynamic MRA Upper Arm

TWIST (Time-resolved Angiography With Interleaved Stochastic Trajectories) MRA

TWIST (Time-resolved Angiography With Interleaved Stochastic Trajectories) is an advanced and innovative 3D Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) technique that offers exceptionally high temporal (sub-second) and spatial resolution (sub-millimeter). This unique capability allows for the acquisition of multiple arterial, mixed, and venous phase images, capturing the passage of a contrast agent through the vascular anatomy in real-time.

TWIST MRA is based on a special k-space sampling technique. The k-space, a mathematical representation of image data, is divided into two regions. The central region of k-space provides information related to image contrast, while the peripheral region primarily contributes to achieving high spatial resolution.

The acceleration of the sequence acquisition is achieved by more frequently sampling k-space lines in the center during the passage of the contrast medium bolus through the covered 3D volume. This random and interleaved sampling technique optimizes both temporal and spatial resolution, enabling the real-time visualization of blood flow dynamics and vascular structures.

TWIST MRA is particularly beneficial in pediatric populations with soft-tissue vascular anomalies in the head and neck region. Compared to conventional contrast-enhanced MRI (CE-MRI), TWIST MRA with gadofosveset trisodium, a blood-pool contrast agent, offers detailed temporal information of VA hemodynamics and flow characteristics without the need for invasive procedures.

Indications for MRA upper arm

Contraindications

Patient preparation for TWIST MRA

Positioning for TWIST MRA upper arm

mri upper arm (humerus)positioning

Recommended TWIST MRA Upper Arm Protocols and Planning

Localiser

A three-plane TrueFISP\HASTE localizer must be taken initially to localize and plan the sequences. These are fast single-shot localizers with an acquisition time under 25s, which are excellent for localizing vascular structures. Take at least 5-8 slices in all planes to get the best results.

TWIST coronal 1mm 3pre and 30 post

Plan the coronal TWIST 3D block 0n the axial plane, and angle the positioning block parallel to the clavicle (i.e., parallel to the subclavian artery). Check the positioning block in the other two planes. An appropriate angle must be used in the sagittal plane (parallel to the humerus). Slices must be sufficient to cover the whole upper arm from anterior to posterior. Ensure that the slices adequately cover the entire upper arm from anterior to posterior. Use a sufficiently large field of view (FOV) to encompass the shoulder and elbow joints.  For phase direction, either choose right to left or head to feet with 100% oversampling to prevent wrap-around artifacts. 

Parameters TWIST

TR

4-5

TE

1.25  

FLIP

14

NEX

1

SLICE

1MM

MATRIX

384X320

FOV

380-420

PHASE

R>L

DYNAMIC

30 SCAN

IPAT

ON

A dynamic TWIST  sequence consists of 30 1mm 3D scans, with each acquisition taking around 3-4 seconds. The contrast injection must be administered after the third dynamic sequence.

T1 vibe 3d DIXON axial post contrast 1mm

Plan the axial slices on the coronal plane and angle the positioning block perpendicular to the humerus. Check the positioning block in the other two planes. An appropriate angle must be used in the sagittal plane (perpendicular to the humerus). Slices must be sufficient to cover the whole upper arm, from the acromioclavicular joint to the elbow joint. Adding a saturation band over the chest will help reduce breathing artifacts. The phase direction must be anteroposterior to avoid wrap-around and motion artifacts from the chest.

Parameters

TR

6-7

TE

2.39   4.77

FLIP

10

NXA

1

SLICE

1 MM

MATRIX

288×288

FOV

250-300

PHASE

A>P

OVERSAMPLE

20%

BH

NO