High-resolution T 2 -weighted cervical cancer imaging: a feasibility study on ultra-high-field 7.0-T MRI with an endorectal monopole antenna

• Published in: European radiology 2017-03, Vol.27 (3), p.938
• Main Authors: Hoogendam, Jacob P, Kalleveen, Irene M L, de Castro, Catalina S Arteaga, Raaijmakers, Alexander J E, Verheijen, René H M, van den Bosch, Maurice A A J, Klomp, Dennis W J, Zweemer, Ronald P, Veldhuis, Wouter B
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cervix Uteri - diagnostic imaging; Cervix Uteri - pathology; Cohort Studies; Feasibility Studies; Female; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Interventional - instrumentation; Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Interventional - methods; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Staging; Prospective Studies; Rectum; Sensitivity and Specificity; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms - pathology
• ISSN: 1432-1084
• DOI: 10.1007/s00330-016-4419-y

We studied the feasibility of high-resolution T -weighted cervical cancer imaging on an ultra-high-field 7.0-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system using an endorectal antenna of 4.7-mm thickness. A feasibility study on 20 stage IB1-IIB cervical cancer patients was conducted. All underwent pre-treatment 1.5-T MRI. At 7.0-T MRI, an external transmit/receive array with seven dipole antennae and a single endorectal monopole receive antenna were used. Discomfort levels were assessed. Following individualised phase-based B shimming, T -weighted turbo spin echo sequences were completed. Patients had stage IB1 (n = 9), IB2 (n = 4), IIA1 (n = 1) or IIB (n = 6) cervical cancer. Discomfort (ten-point scale) was minimal at placement and removal of the endorectal antenna with a median score of 1 (range, 0-5) and 0 (range, 0-2) respectively. Its use did not result in adverse events or pre-term session discontinuation. To demonstrate feasibility, T -weighted acquisitions from 7.0-T MRI are presented in comparison to 1.5-T MRI. Artefacts on 7.0-T MRI were due to motion, locally destructive B interference, excessive B under the external antennae and SENSE reconstruction. High-resolution T -weighted 7.0-T MRI of stage IB1-IIB cervical cancer is feasible. The addition of an endorectal antenna is well tolerated by patients. • High resolution T -weighted 7.0-T MRI of the inner female pelvis is challenging • We demonstrate a feasible approach for T -weighted 7.0-T MRI of cervical cancer • An endorectal monopole receive antenna is well tolerated by participants • The endorectal antenna did not lead to adverse events or session discontinuation.