Navigating the Aorta.docVIP

Navigating the Aorta: MR Virtual Vascular Endoscopy1 James F. Glockner, MD, PhD + Author Affiliations 1From the Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55901. Presented as a scientific exhibit at the 2001 RSNA scientific assembly. Received March 29, 2002, revision requested July 29, revision received and accepted October 3. Address correspondence to J.F.G. (e-mail: glockner.james@mayo.edu). ? Next Section Abstract Virtual vascular endoscopy (VVE) uses two- and three-dimensional (3D) data sets from magnetic resonance (MR) or computed tomographic angiography to create endoluminal views of blood vessels. This technique is relatively new and has become practical only recently as cheap and powerful computers have become widely available. MR-generated VVE can produce striking images and may prove useful as an alternative or accessory means of presenting large quantities of data. This exhibit reviews technical aspects of MR VVE, describes common errors and artifacts, and provides several examples of MR VVE along with more traditional presentations of 3D gadolinium-enhanced MR angiographic data. ? RSNA, 2002 Previous SectionNext Section Introduction Virtual endoscopy is the computer-generated simulation of endoscopic images derived from three-dimensional (3D) computed tomographic (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging data sets. This technique allows the viewer to explore the inner surfaces of anatomic structures from a unique perspective. Virtual endoscopy has its most frequent application in CT virtual colonoscopy. The success of virtual colonoscopy can be attributed to several factors: The technique is analogous to a common clinical procedure, endoscopic presentation of data has been shown to be useful in visualization of polyps and cancers, and the endoscopic perspective is useful in distinguishing artifacts from true lesions. Virtual vascular endoscopy (VVE) has been a less popular application. There is no corresponding clinical te