Feasibility of imaging superficial palmar arch using microultrasound, 7T and 3T magnetic resonance imaging

• Published in: 世界放射学杂志：英文版（电子版） 2017 (2), p.79-84
• Main Author: Alison N Pruzan Audrey E Kaufman Claudia Calcagno Yu Zhou Zahi A Fayad Venkatesh Mani
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1949-8470; 1949-8470

AIM To demonstrate feasibility of vessel wall imaging of the superficial palmar arch using high frequency microultrasound, 7T and 3T magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).METHODS Four subjects(ages 22-50 years) were scanned on a micro-ultrasound system with a 45-MHz transducer(Vevo 2100, Visual Sonics). Subjects’ hands were then imaged on a 3T clinical MR scanner(Siemens Biograph MMR) using an 8-channel special purpose phased array carotid coil. Lastly, subjects’ hands were imaged on a 7T clinical MR scanner(Siemens Magnetom 7T Whole Body Scanner) using a custom built 8-channel transmit receive carotid coil. All three imaging modalities were subjectively analyzed for image quality and visualization of the vessel wall. RESULTS Results of this very preliminary study indicated that vessel wall imaging of the superficial palmar arch was feasible with a whole body 7T and 3T MRI in comparison with micro-ultrasound. Subjective analysis of image quality(1-5 scale, 1: poorest, 5: best) from B mode, ultrasound, 3T SPACE MRI and 7T SPACE MRI indicated that the image quality obtained at 7T was superior to both 3T MRI and micro-ultrasound. The 3D SPACE sequence at both 7T and 3T MRI with isotropic voxels allowed for multi-planarreformatting of images and allowed for less operator dependent results as compared to high frequency microultrasound imaging. Although quantitative analysis revealed that there was no significant difference between the three methods, the 7T Tesla trended to have better visibility of the vessel and its wall. CONCLUSION Imaging of smaller arteries at the 7T is feasible for evaluating atherosclerosis burden and may be of clinical relevance in multiple diseases.