Roel Heesakkers MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Jurgen J Futterer MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Anke Hovels, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Harrie Cornelis M. Van Den Bosch MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Tom W.J. Scheenen, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

J.A. Witjes MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jelle O. Barentsz MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To explore the ability to perform ultrasmall superparamagnetic particles of iron oxide (USPIO) enhanced MR imaging at high field strengths (3T) and to compare the image quality at 1.5T and 3T, in patients with prostate cancer.

23 consecutive patients with prostate cancer were administered USPIO. 24 Hours after administration T2* images of the obturator area were acquired at 1.5T and 3T MR scanners, using a PPA coil, with an in-plane resolution of 0.56x.0.56x3.00 mm and 0.50x0.50x2.50 mm, respectively. For both sequences 3 echo trains were used. Scanning parameters and type of scanner were not visible for the readers.All images were evaluated on muscle-fat contrast, vessel-fat contrast, lymph node border, number of nodes and total image quality by 2 readers. All positive nodes were counted and compared.

T-test showed significant difference in the results of the muscle-fat contrast, vessel-fat contrast, lymph node border and total image quality in the benefit of 3T (p< 0,05). All positive nodes found at 1.5T were also found at 3T. In 3 patients an additional positive node was found at 3T which was not visible on 1.5T and which was outside of the usual resection area.

USPIO enhanced techniques can be used at high field strengths and a high in plane resolution can be obtained. This may result in improved performance.

Heesakkers, R, Futterer, J, Hovels, A, Van Den Bosch, H, Scheenen, T, Witjes, J, Barentsz, J, USPIO-enhanced T2* Images at 1.5T and 3T: Preliminary Results.  Radiological Society of North America 2004 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2004 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2004/4413729.html