Carotid and aortic plaque imaging using 3D gradient-echo imaging and the three-point Dixon method with improved motion-sensitized driven-equilibrium (iMSDE)

Abstract

Background: We devised a method that combines the 3D-Dixon-gradientecho (GRE) method with an improved motion-sensitized driven-equilibrium (iMSDE) to suppress blood flow signals.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the new method we developed plaque imaging method (3D-Dixon-GRE with the iMSDE method).

Study type: Retrospective cohort.

Population: Thirty-nine patients who underwent cervical plaque imaging.

Field strength/sequence: 3.0 T/3D-GRE.

Assessment: Signal intensities of the common carotid artery, aorta, plaque, muscle, and subcutaneous fat were measured through the VISTA and the 3D-Dixon-GRE with iMSDE methods, and each contrast was calculated.

Statistical test: Used the Mann Whitney U test. P-values below 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results: Plaque and muscle contrast estimated through the VISTA method and 3D-Dixon-GRE with iMSDE method was 1.60 ± 0.96 and 2.04 ± 1.06, respectively, (P < 0.05). The contrast between the flow (common carotid artery and Aorta) and muscle according to the VISTA method and 3D-Dixon-GRE with iMSDE method was 0.24 ± 0.11 and 0.40 ± 0.12, respectively (P < 0.001). Finally, the mean contrast for subcutaneous fat and muscle at six locations was 3.05 ± 1.25 and 0.81 ± 0.23 for the VISTA method and 3D-Dixon-GRE with the iMSDE method, respectively (P < 0.001).

Data conclusion: Compared to the conventional method (VISTA), the 3D-Dixon-GRE with iMSDE method is preferable in relation to the fat suppression effect, but it is disadvantageous regarding blood flow signal suppression. Therefore, the 3D-Dixon-GRE with the iMSDE method could be considered useful for plaque imaging.

Keywords: Aortic plaque; Black blood; Dixon; Plaque imaging; VISTA; iMSDE.