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High-Resolution 3 T MR Microscopy Imaging of Arterial Walls

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Abstract

Purpose

To achieve a high spatial resolution in MR imaging that allows for clear visualization of anatomy and even histology and documentation of plaque morphology in in vitro samples from patients with advanced atherosclerosis. A further objective of our study was to evaluate whether T2-weighted high-resolution MR imaging can provide accurate classification of atherosclerotic plaque according to a modified American Heart Association classification.

Methods

T2-weighted images of arteries were obtained in 13 in vitro specimens using a 3 T MR unit (Medspec 300 Avance/Bruker, Ettlingen, Germany) combined with a dedicated MR microscopy system. Measurement parameters were: T2-weighted sequences with TR 3.5 sec, TE 15–120 msec; field of view (FOV) 1.4 × 1.4; NEX 8; matrix 192; and slice thickness 600 μm. MR measurements were compared with corresponding histologic sections.

Results

We achieved excellent spatial and contrast resolution in all specimens. We found high agreement between MR images and histology with regard to the morphology and extent of intimal proliferations in all but 2 specimens. We could differentiate fibrous caps and calcifications from lipid plaque components based on differences in signal intensity in order to differentiate hard and soft atheromatous plaques. Hard plaques with predominantly intimal calcifications were found in 7 specimens, and soft plaques with a cholesterol/lipid content in 5 cases. In all specimens, hemorrhage or thrombus formation, and fibrotic and hyalinized tissue could be detected on both MR imaging and histopathology.

Conclusion

High-resolution, high-field MR imaging of arterial walls demonstrates the morphologic features, volume, and extent of intimal proliferations with high spatial and contrast resolution in in vitro specimens and can differentiate hard and soft plaques.

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Acknowledgment

Supported by the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Radiologic Tumor Diagnosis and Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Interdisciplinary Vascular Research

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Angiography and Interventional Radiology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

    Johannes Sailer, Thomas Rand, P. Peloschek & Johannes Lammer

  2. Institute for Medical Physics, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

    Andreas Berg

  3. Clinical Institute of Pathology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

    Irene Sulzbacher

  4. Department of Surgery, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

    Thomas Hölzenbein

  5. Department of Radiology, University of Vienna, Währinger Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria

    Johannes Sailer

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  1. Johannes Sailer
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  2. Thomas Rand
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  3. Andreas Berg
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  4. Irene Sulzbacher
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  5. P. Peloschek
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  6. Thomas Hölzenbein
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  7. Johannes Lammer
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Correspondence to Johannes Sailer.

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Sailer, J., Rand, T., Berg, A. et al. High-Resolution 3 T MR Microscopy Imaging of Arterial Walls. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 29, 771–777 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-005-0051-y

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