Non-contrast-enhanced MR angiography of left gastric vein in patients with gastroesophageal varices: morphology and blood supply analysis

ObjectivesTo investigate the feasibility of non-contrast-enhanced MR angiography (NCE-MRA) in evaluating the morphology and blood supply of left gastric vein (LGV) in patients with gastroesophageal varices.MethodsBetween March 2021 and October 2022, patients with gastroesophageal varices and who underwent NCE-MRA were retrospectively reviewed. In order to evaluate the blood supply of LGV, superior mesenteric vein (SMV) and splenic vein (SV) were visualized separately by using inflow-sensitive inversion recovery sequence. Two radiologists independently assessed the image quality, determined the origination and the blood supply of LGV, and measured the diameter of LGV. The origination and diameter of LGV were compared between NCE-MRA and contrast-enhanced CT. Differences in blood supply were compared between LGVs with different originations.ResultsA total of 53 patients were enrolled in this study and the image quality was categorized as good or excellent in 52 patients. No significant differences were observed in visualizing the origination and the diameter of LGV between NCE-MRA and contrast-enhanced CT (p > .05). The blood supply of LGV was related to its origination (p < .001). Most LGVs with SV origination were supplied by SV. If LGV was originated from the portal vein (PV), about 70% of them were supplied by both SV and SMV. Compared with LGVs with SV origination, LGVs with PV origination showed more chance to receive blood from SMV (p < .001).ConclusionNon-contrast-enhanced MR angiography appears to be a reliable technique in evaluating the morphology and blood supply of LGV in patients with gastroesophageal varices.Clinical relevance statementNon-contrast-enhanced MR angiography provides valuable information for the management of gastroesophageal varices. Especially, it benefits patients with renal insufficiency.Key Points center dot Non-contrast-enhanced MR angiography using inflow-sensitive inversion recovery technique can be used for evaluating not only morphology as CT but also blood supply of left gastric vein.center dot The blood supply of left gastric vein is related to its origination and left gastric vein with portal vein origination shows more chance to receive blood from superior mesenteric vein.Key Points center dot Non-contrast-enhanced MR angiography using inflow-sensitive inversion recovery technique can be used for evaluating not only morphology as CT but also blood supply of left gastric vein.center dot The blood supply of left gastric vein is related to its origination and left gastric vein with portal vein origination shows more chance to receive blood from superior mesenteric vein.