Marcel Gratz1,2, Marc Schlamann3,4, Sophia Goericke4, Stefan Maderwald5, Harald H Quick5,6. 1. Erwin L. Hahn Institute for MR Imaging, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany. marcel.gratz@uni-due.de. 2. High Field and Hybrid MR Imaging, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147, Essen, Germany. marcel.gratz@uni-due.de. 3. Neuroradiology, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg GmbH, Giessen, Germany. 4. Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany. 5. Erwin L. Hahn Institute for MR Imaging, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany. 6. High Field and Hybrid MR Imaging, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147, Essen, Germany.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To assess the image quality of sparsely sampled contrast-enhanced MR angiography (sparse CE-MRA) providing high spatial resolution and whole-head coverage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients scheduled for contrast-enhanced MR imaging of the head, (N = 19 with intracranial pathologies, N = 9 with vascular diseases), were included. Sparse CE-MRA at 3 Tesla was conducted using a single dose of contrast agent. Two neuroradiologists independently evaluated the data regarding vascular visibility and diagnostic value of overall 24 parameters and vascular segments on a 5-point ordinary scale (5 = very good, 1 = insufficient vascular visibility). Contrast bolus timing and the resulting arterio-venous overlap was also evaluated. Where available (N = 9), sparse CE-MRA was compared to intracranial Time-of-Flight MRA. RESULTS: The overall rating across all patients for sparse CE-MRA was 3.50 ± 1.07. Direct influence of the contrast bolus timing on the resulting image quality was observed. Overall mean vascular visibility and image quality across different features was rated good to intermediate (3.56 ± 0.95). The average performance of intracranial Time-of-Flight was rated 3.84 ± 0.87 across all patients and 3.54 ± 0.62 across all features. CONCLUSION: Sparse CE-MRA provides high-quality 3D MRA with high spatial resolution and whole-head coverage within short acquisition time. Accurate contrast bolus timing is mandatory. KEY POINTS: • Sparse CE-MRA enables fast vascular imaging with full brain coverage. • Volumes with sub-millimetre resolution can be acquired within 10 seconds. • Reader's ratings are good to intermediate and dependent on contrast bolus timing. • The method provides an excellent overview and allows screening for vascular pathologies.
OBJECTIVES: To assess the image quality of sparsely sampled contrast-enhanced MR angiography (sparse CE-MRA) providing high spatial resolution and whole-head coverage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients scheduled for contrast-enhanced MR imaging of the head, (N = 19 with intracranial pathologies, N = 9 with vascular diseases), were included. Sparse CE-MRA at 3 Tesla was conducted using a single dose of contrast agent. Two neuroradiologists independently evaluated the data regarding vascular visibility and diagnostic value of overall 24 parameters and vascular segments on a 5-point ordinary scale (5 = very good, 1 = insufficient vascular visibility). Contrast bolus timing and the resulting arterio-venous overlap was also evaluated. Where available (N = 9), sparse CE-MRA was compared to intracranial Time-of-Flight MRA. RESULTS: The overall rating across all patients for sparse CE-MRA was 3.50 ± 1.07. Direct influence of the contrast bolus timing on the resulting image quality was observed. Overall mean vascular visibility and image quality across different features was rated good to intermediate (3.56 ± 0.95). The average performance of intracranial Time-of-Flight was rated 3.84 ± 0.87 across all patients and 3.54 ± 0.62 across all features. CONCLUSION: Sparse CE-MRA provides high-quality 3D MRA with high spatial resolution and whole-head coverage within short acquisition time. Accurate contrast bolus timing is mandatory. KEY POINTS: • Sparse CE-MRA enables fast vascular imaging with full brain coverage. • Volumes with sub-millimetre resolution can be acquired within 10 seconds. • Reader's ratings are good to intermediate and dependent on contrast bolus timing. • The method provides an excellent overview and allows screening for vascular pathologies.
Authors: Mark A Griswold; Peter M Jakob; Robin M Heidemann; Mathias Nittka; Vladimir Jellus; Jianmin Wang; Berthold Kiefer; Axel Haase Journal: Magn Reson Med Date: 2002-06 Impact factor: 4.668
Authors: Aurelien F Stalder; Michaela Schmidt; Harald H Quick; Marc Schlamann; Stefan Maderwald; Peter Schmitt; Qiu Wang; Mariappan S Nadar; Michael O Zenge Journal: Magn Reson Med Date: 2014-12-17 Impact factor: 4.668
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Authors: A Krasny; F Nensa; I E Sandalcioglu; S L Göricke; I Wanke; C Gramsch; S Sirin; N Oezkan; U Sure; M Schlamann Journal: J Neurointerv Surg Date: 2013-04-23 Impact factor: 5.836