Arne-Joern Lemke MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Susanne Anja Hengst, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Iris Kazi MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Minouche Alai, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Stefan Markus Niehues MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Roland Felix MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Imaging of eye and orbit with 1.5 T MRI using surface coils has become a common procedure. Since 3.0 T technology is more and more used in clinical routine further improvements of image quality is expected with 3.0 T. Purpose of the study was the comparison of 1.5 and 3.0 T MRI concerning different imaging parameters using dedicated surface coils in patients with uveal melanoma.

The study was performed with a 3.0 T and a 1.5 T system (both GE, Medical Systems, Milwaukee) using special surface coils. A newly developed 4 cm surface coil for 3.0 T (Rapid Biomedical, Würzburg) was used and compared to a 3 inch surface coil for 1.5 T (GE, Medical Systems, Milwaukee). To optimise the MR sequences for clinical use examinations on 3.0 T were performed on phantoms, animal specimens and volunteers. Finally 12 patients with uveal melanoma were examined on 1.5 T after pre- and postcontrast MRI on 3.0 T.

The improved SNR was proved on the phantom examinations using the surface coil in comparison to the head coil. In volunteers the increase in SNR was limited due to severe motion artefacts, but in patients MR examinations were successfully performed under retrobulbar anaesthesia.

Initial experiences on 3.0 T imaging using a 4 cm coil demonstrate an improvement of image quality in phantom and specimen examinations. Higher susceptibility for involuntary eye movements limits the clinical use of orbital 3.0 T MRI in patients thus a retrobulbar anaesthesia is recommended in eye examinations.

Lemke, A, Hengst, S, Kazi, I, Alai, M, Niehues, S, Felix, R, First Clinical Experience with 3.0-T-MRI Using a 4 cm Surface Coil in Patients with Uveal Melanoma.  Radiological Society of North America 2004 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2004 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2004/4413969.html