Detection of pulmonary embolism using repeated MRI acquisitions without respiratory gating: a preliminary study

BackgroundPulmonary embolism (PE) is a severe medical condition with non-specific clinical findings. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) using iodinated contrast agents is the golden standard for diagnosis, but many patients have contraindications for CTA.PurposeTo investigate the diagnostic accuracy of repeated acquisitions of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), without respiratory gating or breath holding, in diagnosing PE using CTA as the reference standard.Material and MethodsThirty-three patients with clinically suspected PE underwent MRI within 48 h after diagnostic CTA. A control group of 37 healthy participants underwent MRI and was matched with an equal number of negative CTA exams. The MRI protocol was based on free-breathing steady-state free precession producing 4.5 mm slices in axial, sagittal, and coronal planes. Instead of respiratory or cardiac gating five repetitive slices were obtained in each anatomical position to compensate for movement and artifacts. Clinical assessment including d-d...