DANTE-SPACE: a new technical tool for DVT on 1.5T MRI

The aim of the study was to compare CE-MRV with DANTE-SPACE on a 1.5T MRI system for the diagnosis of DVT. The patients were diagnosed with deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities based on swelling, pain, and superficial varicose veins of the lower extremities. MRI examination confirmed the diagnosis. DANTE-SPACE images were obtained before the conventional contrast-enhanced MRV, which uses gadolinium. The scanning field started from the end of the inferior vena cava to the end of the ankle, divided into five observation segments, namely, the common iliac vein, external iliac vein, femoral vein, popliteal vein, and calf vein. The DANTE-SPACE and CE-MRV results were used for a consistency analysis. For the DANTE-SPACE and CE-MRV images, the signal intensity ratios of the thrombus/cavity and thrombus/muscle were calculated, and the ratio difference was compared using the paired t test. Twenty-six patients completed the examination; one of the patients underwent a right lower limb amputation, yielding a total of 255 lower limb vascular segments. The analysis of the DANTE-SPACE images showed that there were 14 iliac vein thromboses, 18 external iliac vein thromboses, 23 femoral vein thrombi, 21 popliteal vein thromboses, and 18 calf vein thromboses; these findings were consistent with the diagnostic results of CE-MRV. The ratio of the thrombus/cavity signal intensity measured in the DANTE-SPACE and CE-MRV images were as follows: 20.51 ± 12.96 vs. 0.51 ± 0.46; P < 0.05, n = 51; the difference was statistically significant. The ratio of the thrombus/muscle signal intensity measured on the DANTE-SPACE and CE-MRV images were as follows: 1.74 ± 0.57 vs. 0.99 ± 0.53; P < 0.05, n = 51; the difference was statistically significant. Compared with CE-MRV, DANTE-SPACE showed no significant difference in the ability to detect deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities. DANTE-SPACE did not use contrast-enhancing agents and showed no evidence of inflammatory enhancement, and the display effect of small diameter veins was slightly poor. However, deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities presents different levels of high signal in the DANTE-SPACE images, making it easy to identify and diagnose. It can also indicate the different components and age of the thrombus and help with the selection of a more accurate clinical treatment plan. MRI DANTE-SPACE is the preferred imaging modality for patients with deep venous thrombosis who are unable or unwilling to use gadolinium contrast agents.