Three-dimensional phase contrast MR cerebral venography with zero filling interpolation in the slice encoding direction.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the magnetic resonance (MR) cerebral venography findings of a three-dimensional phase contrast MR sequence with zero filling interpolation of the data in the slice encoding direction. Fifty volunteers were enrolled in the study. Images were obtained on a 1.5 MR imaging system with acquisition time of 12 min. MIP images were reconstructed throughout the entire imaging volume. A grading scale system was used to assess dural venous sinuses, major deep veins, cortical, and cortical eponymic veins. Inferior group of dural venous sinuses, inferior sagittal sinus, and cortical eponymic veins were poorly demonstrated. Score of the superior sagittal sinus, the straight sinus, the confluence of the superior sinus group, the right transverse and sigmoid sinuses, the internal veins, and the vein of Galen was excellent. The score of the left transverse and sigmoid sinuses was good. In conclusion, when using zero filling interpolation of the data in a three-dimensional phase contrast MR cerebral venography sequence, the superior group of dural venous sinuses and main major deep veins are demonstrated with good conspicuity.