Clemens Christian Joachim Cyran MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Tobias Saam MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Steven Sourbron PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

José Raya MSc, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Maximilian F. Reiser MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Konstantin Nikolaou MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Marcus Hacker MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Axel Rominger, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Peter Bartenstein, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Michael Dichgans, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Thomas Pfefferkorn, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Katja Bochmann, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

00030490-DMT et al, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To compare 18F-FDG-PET-CT which is used in clinical routine to detect inflamed arteries and to monitor anti-inflammatory treatment in patients with arteritis to high resolution dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in its ability to measure and quantify inflammation in carotid or vertebral arteries. Results of the gold standard 18F-FDG-PET-CT were correlated with DCE-MRI data.

DCE-MRI of the carotid/vertebral arteries of 10 patients with suspected arteritis was acquired at 3T (2D-SR-SGRE, spatial resolution 0.625x0.625mm2) using a dedicated 4-channel surface coil. Patients underwent 18F-FDG-PET-CT within one week of the MRI scan. PET-CT images were anatomically matched using the carotid bifurcation and the vertebral bones as landmarks. Maximum standardized uptake values (SUV) were measured on PET-CT images at the identical location as the ROI in the MR images. Arterial input functions were measured in the carotid artery and four ROIs were set in the carotid and vertebral wall. MRI signal intensity data was used to generate parameters for the plasma extraction fraction and vessel wall interstitial volume using a full two-compartment kinetic model.

PET-CT SUV was significantly higher in patients with than in patients without arteritis (p<0.005). SUV correlated significantly with the MRI assayed extraction fraction (r=0.85; p<0.001) and with the interstitial volume (r=0.74; p<0.05). Patients with arteritis as diagnosed by PET-CT had significantly larger extraction fractions and a larger interstitial volume (p<0.005) as assayed by dynamic MRI. Figure 1 shows images of a 46 year old female patient with Takayasu Arteritis. Top row image on the left shows the PET-CT image with a substantial FDG-uptake in both carotid arteries. The image on the right shows the MR image and the image below the output file with the quantitative MR parameters demonstrating correspondingly high values of extraction fraction in matching areas.

DCE-MRI is able to non-invasively measure and quantify arterial inflammation with good correlation to 18F-FDG-PET-CT. This method might be useful in the diagnosis of arteritis and in monitoring anti-inflammatory therapy.

DCE-MRI might be a useful tool in the diagnosis of arteriitis and in monitoring anti-inflammatory therapy. Advantages include superior soft tissue contrast as well as lacking radiation exposure.

Cyran, C, Saam, T, Sourbron, S, Raya, J, Reiser, M, Nikolaou, K, Hacker, M, Rominger, A, Bartenstein, P, Dichgans, M, Pfefferkorn, T, Bochmann, K, et al, 0, Quantification of Arterial Wall Inflammation in Patients with Arteritis Using High-Resolution DCE-MRI and 18F-FDG PET-CT: A Correlation Study.  Radiological Society of North America 2009 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 29 - December 4, 2009 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2009/8005976.html