Three-Dimensional Carotid Plaque MR Imaging




There has been significant progress made in 3-dimensional (3D) carotid plaque MR imaging techniques in recent years. Three-dimensional plaque imaging clearly represents the future in clinical use. With effective flow-suppression techniques, choices of different contrast weighting acquisitions, and time-efficient imaging approaches, 3D plaque imaging offers flexible imaging plane and view angle analysis, large coverage, multivascular beds capability, and even can be used in fast screening.




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    Information on the condition of carotid atherosclerosis may provide a useful window to understanding system-wide disease burden and assess overall cardiovascular risk.




  • •

    Information on the condition of carotid atherosclerosis may provide a useful window to understanding system-wide disease burden and assess overall cardiovascular risk.










    • Fig. 9




    Fig. 9


    Illustration of 3D multicontrast imaging coverage. Three stations of 3D TOF coronal MIP fusion ( D ) and sagittal MIP fusion ( E ) are illustrated here only for a clear definition of imaging field of view. The curved multiplanar reconstruction examples show the right ( A – C ) and left ( F – H ) side arteries ranging from CCA through ICA to MCA, where ( C , F ), ( B , G ), and ( A , H ) correspond to the results of 3D-MERGE, T2W VISTA, and SNAP, respectively. Note the plaques were detected at bilateral carotid bifurcations on all different contrast weighted images as shown by solid arrows. CCA, common carotid artery; ICA, internal carotid artery, MCA, middle cerebral artery.

    ( From Zhou Z, Li R, Zhao X. Evaluation of 3D multi-contrast joint intra- and extracranial vessel wall cardiovascular magnetic resonance. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson 2015;17:41; with permission.)


    Summary


    In summary, there has been significant progress made in 3D carotid plaque imaging techniques in recent years. Three-dimensional plaque imaging clearly represents the future in clinical use. With effective flow-suppression techniques, choices of different contrast weighting acquisitions, and time-efficient imaging approaches, 3D plaque imaging offers flexible imaging plane and view angle analysis, large coverage, multivascular beds capability, and even can be used in fast screening.


    Disclosure Statement: Dr C. Yuan holds grants from the National Institutes of Health and (R21EB017514 & R01HL103609) Philips Medical . He also serves as a Member of Radiology Advisory Network, Philips. Dr D.L. Parker has nothing to disclose.



    References



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