3D high-resolution contrast enhanced MRI of carotid atheroma--a technical update

Magn Reson Imaging. 2014 Jun;32(5):594-7. doi: 10.1016/j.mri.2014.01.019. Epub 2014 Jan 31.

Abstract

Objective: Development of a fast 3D high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol for improved carotid artery plaque imaging.

Methods: Two patients with carotid atherosclerosis disease underwent 3D high-resolution MRI which included time-of-flight and T1-weighted variable flip angle, fast-spin-echo (FSE) imaging, pre- and post-intravenous gadolinium-based contrast agent administration.

Results: Good quality images with intrinsic blood suppression were obtained pre- and post-contrast administration using a 3D FSE sequence. The plaque burden, lipid core volume, hemorrhage volume and fibrous cap thickness were well determined.

Conclusions: 3D high-resolution MR imaging of carotid plaque using TOF and 3D FSE can achieve high isotropic resolution, large coverage, and excellent image quality within a short acquisition time.

Keywords: 3D Fast Spin Echo; Carotid atheroma; Fibrous cap; Hemorrhage; Lipid core.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Algorithms*
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / pathology*
  • Contrast Media
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Contrast Media