Christoph Weber MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Jan-Hendrik Buhk MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Thorsten Alexander Bley MD, Abstract Co-Author: Speaker, Guerbet SA

Andreas Koops MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Gerhard B. Adam MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Peter Bannas, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To prospectively and intraindividually compare image quality and detectability of stenoses in contrast enhanced whole-body MRA (WBMRA) at 1.5 and 3 Tesla (T) in patients with hereditary hyperlipidemia.

27 patients with hereditary hyperlipidemia received a 1.5 and 3 T gadobutrol contrast enhanced WBMRA. 43 defined arterial segments were analyzed regarding depiction of target vessels, image quality according to a 5-point-scale (“not evaluable” to “excellent”), degree of stenosis (0%, 1-49%, 50-99% and 100%) as well as vessel alterations such as aneurysms. Wilcoxon matched pair test and Chi-square-test were performed for comparison of the two field strengths.

1.5 T and 3 T scans yielded high-quality WBMRA in all patients. Mean image quality of all arterial segments at 3.0 T was rated significantly higher (3.8 +/- 0.9) to image quality at 1.5 T (3.6 +/- 0.9) (p = 0.001). Field inhomogeneity artifacts deteriorated image quality at 3 T in 16 patients and venous overlay was described more often at 3 T (n=9) than at 1.5 T (n=3). All relevant stenoses (50-99%) (n=5), occlusions (n=6) and aneurysms (n=3) were evaluated similarly at both field strengths.

WBMRA can be performed at 1.5 and 3 T with diagnostic image quality. Due to technical drawbacks observed at 3 T, overall image quality was rated only modestly higher for 3 T examinations. In order to effectively take advantage of the higher field strength, further optimization of sequence parameters and injection protocols for WBMRA at 3 T is necessary.

With improved imaging strategies 3 T WBMRA has the potential to become the modality of choice in patients with vascular disease such as hereditary hyperlipidemia.

Weber, C, Buhk, J, Bley, T, Koops, A, Adam, G, Bannas, P, Intraindividual Comparison of Whole Body MR Angiography at 1.5 and 3 Tesla in High Risk Patients with Hereditary Hyperlipidemia.  Radiological Society of North America 2010 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2010 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2010/9013941.html