High-resolution, non-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography of the wrist, hand and digital arteries using optimized implementation of Cartesian quiescent interval slice selective (QISS) at 1.5 T

•High-resolution, non CE MRA of the wrist, hand and digital arteries using optimized 2D ECG triggered Cartesian QISS at 1.5 T.•Optimized 2D ECG triggered Cartesian QISS-MRA allows complete suppression of venous signal intensity in digital arteries.•This pulse sequence allows for the first time the classification of superficial / deep palmar arch and (SPA/DPA) variants.•5 new SPA and 6 new DPA variants could be classified in comparison with studies using CE CTA and using fixed cadaver hands.