AbstractID: 6654 Title: Mid-Field Open Magnet for High Resolution 3D Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Angiography
Introduction
Recently, patients preference has led manufacturers to develop open MRI systems with higher field strengths, in attempt to
achieve the image quality and scanner flexibility achievable on the closed bore 1.5T systems. Contrast enhanced MR
angiography (CEMRA) on the 1.5T system has evolved as a competitive alternative to invasive x-ray angiography. The
purpose of this study is to acquire high spatial resolution carotid and abdominal CEMRA using a 0.7T open scanner.
Methods
15 patients have been studied using a GE 0.7T OpenSpeed scanner which is an open vertical field super conducting magnet. A
cervical spine array coil is used for carotid and medium flex body coil for abdominal aorta CEMRA. A 3D fast gradient echo
acquisition is used, with a test bolus technique for accurate timing estimate, and elliptical centric phase encoding for optimized
contrast enhancement and venous suppression.
Results
Excellent visualization of the carotid from the aortic arch through Circle of Willis is achieved. There is minimal venous
enhancement because of the combination of using test bolus, elliptical centric phase order, and approximate 27 seconds
acquisition time. High spatial resolution CEMRA of stenosed iliac/femoral arteries are clearly delineated along all directions
including the slice direction.
Conclusions
High resolution carotid and abdominal 3D CEMRA are achieved using a 0.7T open magnet. With optimized protocol, specially
designed surface coils, CEMRA in 0.7-1.0T open scanner may become a viable alternative to high field close bore CEMRA or
x-ray angiography clinically.