Frederik Lars Giesel MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Val Murray Runge MD, Abstract Co-Author: Research grant, Bracco Group Research grant, Bayer AG

Nadja Komm MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Hendrik von Tengg-Kobligk MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Bodie Correll, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Marco Essig MD, Abstract Co-Author: Research Consultant, Bayer AG Research Consultant, Bracco Group

MR evaluation of intracranial circulation provides valuable diagnostic information that can influence patient management. This study investigated signal improvement in time-of-flight (TOF) MR venography using a prototype 32-channel head coil (CHC) compared to a standard 12-CHC, at 3T.

10 volunteers were imaged on a Siemens 3T Tim Trio. A high-resolution protocol acquired with the 32-CHC was compared to the standard 12-CHC TOF. Scans were acquired with TR/TE/tip angle=21/4.76/60° and TA=3.35 min. The 12-CHC utilized a parallel imaging factor (IPAT)=2 and voxel dimensions = 1x1x2.5 mm3; the 32-CHC employed IPAT=4 and voxel dimensions = 0.7x0.7x2mm3. Without the change in coils, these parameters would have reduced SNR from a nominal value of 1 to 0.31. Single-slice axial, coronal, and sagittal scans were acquired to investigate actual change in SNR between the two head coils. Each scan was performed twice to determine SNR. ROI measurements were performed in the major dural sinuses.

The 32-CHC demonstrated statistically significant improvement in SNR in each ROI, when compared to the standard 12-CHC (170-200%). Accounting for the change in SNR due to different voxel dimensions, each ROI revealed an increase in SNR (p<0.001; nominal value: coronal superior sagittal sinus: 12-CHC: 29.7, 32-CHC: 55.3; axial superior sinus: 12-CHC: 56.9, 32-CHC: 113.3; transverse sinus: 12-CHC: 45.6, 32-CHC: 77.5).

The 32-CHC provided a statistically significant SNR increase in TOF imaging at 3T. Detailed depiction of venous sinus structure obtained with this high-resolution protocol may improve diagnosis in venous thrombosis and other pathologies.

Detailed high-resolution depiction of venous sinus structure with improved scan time might be of high importance particular in patients with venous thrombosis  

Giesel, F, Runge, V, Komm, N, von Tengg-Kobligk, H, Correll, B, Essig, M, Time-of-Flight Magnetic Resonance Venography at 3 T: Comparison of a 12- versus 32-channel Head Coil.  Radiological Society of North America 2008 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, February 18 - February 20, 2008 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2008/6014606.html