Vascular Hemodynamics

Hall D                                   Monday 14:00-16:00                                                                                                                                             

14:00         2825.     Flow Sensitive MRI in a Realistic Model System of the Thoracic Aorta with Aortic Coarctation

Computer 1

Ramona Lorenz1, Aurélien F. Stalder1, Jelena Bock1, Dominic Klausmann2, Christoph Benk1, Jürgen Hennig1, Michael Markl1

1University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; 2University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany

The purpose of this study was to establish a realistic model system for the evaluation of hemodynamics consequences of aortic coarctation with different stenosis grades. Flow sensitive 4D MRI was performed within a realistic rapid prototyping vascular model of the thoracic aorta with attached flexible stenosis in the descending aorta which was integrated into a pulsatile flow circuit. A novel approach for generating realistic pulsatile waveforms was realized by a pneumatically driven VAD (ventricular assistant device) pump system. The study presents an evaluation of the impact of stenosis grade on local and global flow dynamics.

 

14:30         2826.     Flow Sensitive 4D MRI: Descending Aortic Retrograde Flow and Embolization Risk in Acute Stroke Patients

Computer 1

Michael Markl1, Christoph Strecker2, Patrick Dudler2, Andrea Nußbaumer2, Jelena Bock1, Aurelien F. Stalder1, Alex Frydrychowicz1, Anna L. Stroh3, Cornelius Weiller2, Jürgen Hennig1, Andreas Harloff2

1Dept. of Diagnostic Radiology, Medical Physics, University Hospital, Freiburg, Germany; 2Dept. of Neurology, University Hospital, Freiburg, Germany; 3Dept. of Cardiology, University Hospital, Freiburg, Germany

Flow-sensitive 4D MRI allows the detailed visualization of both physiological and pathological 3D aortic blood flow characteristics and was used to determine the role of retrograde flow in the descending aorta (DAo) in patients with acute embolic stroke. Our findings demonstrate a high incidence of retrograde flow in the proximal DAo suggesting that complex DAo plaques should be considered as a novel high-risk embolic source in patients with undetermined stroke etiology.

 

15:00         2827.     Analysis of 3D Flow Dynamics in a Ventricular Assist Device by Flow Sensitive 4D MRI

Computer 1

Michael Markl1, Ramona Lorenz1, Jelena Bock1, Christoph Benk2, Dominic Klausmann2, Alex Frydrychowicz1, Jürgen Hennig1, Friedhelm Beyersdorf2

1Dept. of Diagnostic Radiology, Medical Physics, University Hospital, Freiburg, Germany; 2Dept. of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital, Freiburg, Germany

The assessment of flow characteristics inside ventricular assist devices (VADs) using MRI techniques may provide insight into the mechanisms underlying the high rate of thrombo-embolic events after VAD implantation. These investigations may form the basis to optimize the device’s design and its need for anticoagulation. The purpose of this study was to integrate a clinical routine VAD into a flow circuit with realistic geometric and pulsatile inflow conditions. Flow sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at 3 Tesla permitted the detailed analysis of local and global 3D flow dynamics in a realistic environment.

 

15:30         2828.     Diameter-Dependence of Aortic Hemodynamics: Does Size Matter?

Computer 1

Alex Frydrychowicz1, Alexander Berger1, Aurélien F. Stalder1, Maximilian F. Russe1, Andreas Harloff1, Mathias Langer1, Jürgen Hennig1, Michael Markl1

1University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany

It was the aim of this study based on flow-sensitive 4D MRI to analyze the diameter dependence of aortic hemodynamics with respect to characteristic blood flow patterns such as time to maximum arterial flow, duration of backward flow, number of vortices, and the presence of helical flow, which can be correlated to wall shear stress (WSS) and oscillatory shear index (OSI). The results of this study indicate the method¡¯s potential to identify characteristic, diameter dependent, aortic flow patterns. In a cohort of 62 individuals which were subgrouped by the diameter of the ascending aorta (SAD-group ¡Ü 3.5cm < LAD-group) we showed that the size of the aorta influences the hemodynamic properties.

 

14:00         2829.     Multi-Dimensional Velocity Field Reconstruction from Sparsely Sampled 3D Phase Contrast MRI

Computer 2

Kartik Sivaram Sundareswaran1, Dave Harold Frakes1, Mark Fogel2, Oskar Skrinjar1, Ajit P. Yoganathan1

1Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; 2Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

A new technique for velocity field reconstruction is presented in this paper that utilizes blood flow incompressibility as a property for estimating continuous flow field representation in blood vessels using a stack of contiguous phase contrast MRI. The methodology has been tested on 15 in vivo datasets of patients with a single ventricle circulation, and the results indicate superior qualitative and quantitative velocity reconstruction compared to other traditional techniques for flow reconstruction from PC MRI. This opens up new avenues for higher order analysis (vortex structures, energy loss) of PC MRI flow fields.

 

14:30         2830.     In Vivo MR Determination of Flow Fields in Patients with Intracranial Aneurysms Using 7D PC-MRI

Computer 2

Gabriel Acevedo-Bolton1, Alastair Martin1, Vitaliy Rayz1, Loic Boussel1, David Saloner1,2

1UCSF, San Francisco, California , USA; 2VAMC San Francisco, San Francisco, California , USA

7D PC-MRI was used to measure and map the blood flow within intracranial aneurysms in vivo. These flow results were compared  with in vitro reproductions and with the predictions of computational fluid dynamics(CFD) models. It was found to be essential to determine all three components of the velocity to adequately visualize the complex flow structures

 

15:00         2831.     Patient-Specific Hemodynamics of the Descending Aorta: Combination of CFD and 4D Flow-Sensitive MRI

Computer 2

Aurélien F. Stalder1, Zhenyu Liu2, Michael Markl1, Jürgen Hennig1, Jan Korvink2

1University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; 2University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany

Flow-sensitive 4D MRI allows in vivo 3D blood flow visualization and flow parameter estimation but is limited by spatio-temporal resolution and measurement errors. In contrast, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) can compute very accurate flow fields from modeled arteries but depends on the validity of the hemodynamic model and boundary conditions. We show for the first time an integration of 4D flow-sensitive MRI and CFD into a single framework. A combination of those 2 complementary approaches offers reciprocal validation possibilities and has the potential to refine flow measurements which may result in more accurate quantification of complex in vivo hemodynamic phenomena.

 

15:30         2832.     4D Flow of the Whole Heart and Great Vessels at 3T Using Real Time Self Respiratory Gating

Computer 2

Sergio Andres Uribe1, Philipp Beerbaum1, Allan Rasmusson2, Thomas Sangild Sørensen2, Reza Razavi1, Tobias Schaeffter1

1Kings College London, London, UK; 2University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark

We present an extension of a self-respiratory technique to acquire 4D flow data. Self-navigation is obtained from k-space center profiles and the breathing signal is used in real time to gate the scan. The method allows us to acquire an isotropic non-angulated volume, 4D flow encoded, of the whole heart and great vessel in a single free-breathing scan. Results showed a strong correspondence between flow patterns obtained using this technique and with 2D flow. This approach represents an important advance for the characterization of the flow hemodynamics in the whole heart and a step forward to simplify cardiac MR examinations.

 

Vessel Compliance

Hall D                                   Monday 14:00-16:00                                                                                                                                             

14:00         2833.     A New Methodology for Determining Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity Using 2D PCMR Velocity Data

Computer 3

Samuel Fielden1,2, Brandon Fornwalt2, Michael Jerosch-Herold3, Robert Eisner1, Arthur Stillman1, John Oshinski1,2

1Emory University, Atlanta, USA; 2Georgia Institute of Technology/Emory University, Atlanta, USA; 3Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, USA

A novel method for estimating aortic pulse wave velocity is presented.  This method uses 2D PCMR data to construct blood velocity magnitude images in order to determine multiple flow waveforms in the ascending, transverse, and descending sections of aorta.  The waveform at each location is compared to the most proximal waveform via cross correlation to determine the time delay of the wave at that location and thus the pulse wave velocity.  This method is more reproducible than either of two more established methods examined.

 

14:30         2834.     Measurement of Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity in Volunteers

Computer 3

Neva Hiten Patel1, Mark Butlin2, Richard T. Black1, Martin J. Graves,13, Stacey Hickson4, Carmel McEniery4, Ian B. Wilkinson4, David J. Lomas3

1Addenbrooke's Hospital NHS Trust, Cambridge, UK; 2Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia; 3University of Cambridge, UK; 4University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK

Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) can be used as an index of the increased risk of cardiovascular disease which is associated with aortic wall stiffness. A number of groups have looked at measuring PWV using MRI, however we are not aware of any reported studies addressing the best method of obtaining the transit-time used to calculate the PWV, and the reproducibility of PWV measurement. We have performed repeated MRI PWV measurements in healthy volunteers and investigated several different methods of transit-time calculations.

 

15:00         2835.     The Effect of Wall Compliance on Aortic Hemodynamics in the Mouse: Implications for AAA Pathogenesis

Computer 3

Smbat Amirbekian1, Robert C. Long1, Jin Suo2, W Robert Taylor1,2, Don P. Giddens2, John N. Oshinski1,2

1Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; 2Georgia Tech, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

MRA and PC-MRI were used to provide geometric and flow boundary conditions for a computational study of the hemodynamics of the mouse aorta.  The study showed that incorporating vessel compliance changes the flow patterns seen in the aorta and that a rigid vessel creates areas of oscillatory wall shear stress.

 

15:30         2836.     Measurement of Common Carotid Artery Lumen Dynamics During Cardiac Cycle Using TrueFISP Cine MR Imaging

Computer 3

Tracy Yee Mau Chow1,2, Jerry S. Cheung1, Yin Wu1, Ed X. Wu1

1The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong

Vascular MR imaging provides detailed anatomical information of blood vessels, yielding lumen size and wall thickness measurements. However, many of the studies often specify the morphology and composition of vessel walls without examining the dynamic pulsatile properties of these vessels. In this study, the vascular dynamics of the right and left common carotid arteries throughout the whole cardiac cycle was investigated using TrueFISP cine cardiac imaging. Consistent results and area waveform patterns were observed among the normal subjects. This lumen dynamics can better describe physiological behaviour correlated with other vascular parameters, therefore has potential clinical importance in differentiating abnormalities. Furthermore, TrueFISP cine MRI produces high contrast images, allowing high accuracy in area measurements and thus waveform tracing.

 

Myocardial T2 & T2* Imaging

Hall D                                   Monday 14:00-16:00                                                                                                                                             

14:00         2837.     Spiral T2 Quality Evaluation in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Computer 4

Warren Foltz1, Kim Alexander Connelly1, Ram Vijayaraghavan1, Venkat Ramanan, Gideon Paul1, Graham Wright1, Alexander Dick1

1Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada

T2 has proven to be a valuable contrast mechanism for myocardial characterization because it is a quantitative biomarker of acute and sub-acute inflammatory processes. Clinical integration of T2 relies on T2-weighted black-blood  fast-spin echo (FSE) imaging because cardiac-gated imaging is achievable in breath-hold scan times and with useful spatial resolutions.  However the information is semi-qualitative and the echo-train readout compromises T2 contrast. A magnetization-prepared spiral imaging method, termed T2prep, should improve reproducibility in clinical quantification of myocardial T2 relaxation because variability associated with coil shading is removed.  In the absence of gross relaxation fluctuations, current clinical myocardial FSE scanning is useful only to delineate cardiac margins. Quantitative T2prep mapping reduces variability towards physiological noise levels, providing more reproducible measurements with the potential for faster scan times at minor cost to spatial resolution and ROImin.

 

14:30         2838.     Using T2*-Maps as a Quantitative Indicator for Myocarditis

Computer 4

Karl-Heinz Herrmann1, Diane Renz1, Pascal Baltzer1, Ines Krumbein1, Jürgen R. Reichenbach1

1Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany

Diagnosis of myocarditis with standard sequences like late enhancement, T2 TSE or T2-weighted TIRM is not always conclusive because any through plane motion of the myocardium causes inhomogeneous signal due to the repeated slice selective inversion and excitation pulses. A quantitative T2*-map may be helpful in quantifying, delineating and detecting edema associated with myocarditis.

 

15:00         2839.     Retrospective Correction for Induced Magnetic Field Inhomogeneity in Measurements of   Large-Vessel Hemoglobin Oxygen Saturation by MR Susceptometry

Computer 4

Michael Langham1, Tom Floyd2, Jeremy Magland1, Felix W. Wehrli1

1University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; 2Univesity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

The main source of error in MR susceptometry is the static field inhomogeneity that is characterized by low spatial-frequency modulation on the phase image. High-pass filtering has previously been used in conjunction with shimming. We propose an alternative method which acquires data without scanner-implemented default shimming, and fit, after appropriate weighting and masking, the static field inhomogeneity to a second-order polynomial. Compared to shimming, the retrospective correction technique improved agreement between hemoglobin saturations measured in different segments of a vessel (femoral versus popliteal artery and vein) from three standard errors to less than one.

 

15:30         2840.     Multislice Multiecho T2* Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Can Detect Heterogeneous Myocardial Iron Distribution in Thalassemia Patients

Computer 4

Vincenzo Positano1, Alessia Pepe1, Anna Ramazzotti1, Daniele De Marchi1, Brunella Favilli1, Eliana Cracolici2, Maria Gabriella Brizi3, Maria Filomena Santarelli1, Massimo Lombardi1, Luigi Landini4

1Institute of Clinical Physiology, Pisa, Italy; 2University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; 3A. Gemelli University Hospital, Roma, Italy; 4University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy

In this study we investigate the relationship between segmental R2* heterogeneity assessed by multi-slice multi-echo MRI and iron overload progression in a large thalassemia major patient population. Real data were compared with a surrogate data sets obtained stating that the inhomogeneous segmental distribution of R2* would be generated by susceptibility artefacts. Inhomogeneities in R2* myocardial distribution in iron overloaded subjects cannot be explained by the effect of susceptibility artefacts, that are additive in the R2* domain and should vanish at high iron overload levels. A possible interpretation is that a true heterogeneity in iron overload distribution in TM patients exists.

 

Vessel Wall Imaging

Hall D                                   Monday 14:00-16:00                                                                                                                                             

14:00         2841.     An Optimized 3D Inversion Recovery Prepared Fast Spoiled Gradient Recalled Sequence with Multiple Echoes (IR FSPGR ME) for Carotid Plaque Imaging

Computer 5

David C. Zhu1, J Kevin DeMarco1, Anthony T. Vu2

1Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA; 2GE Healthcare, Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA

An optimized 3D inversion recovery prepared fast spoiled gradient recalled sequence with multiple echoes (IR FSPGR ME) on a 3T scanner for carotid plaque imaging is presented.  It maintains the ability of its single-echo counterpart in blood and fat signal suppression at the carotid region as well as the benefits of high-resolution volumetric visualization and hemorrhage detection. The IR FSPGR ME sequence can potentially further characterizes hemorrhage types through the generated T8* maps. In addition, combining images from the individual echoes provides a higher signal-to-noise ratio and thus improve image visualization.

 

14:30         2842.     Optimization of Motion Sensitized Driven Equilibrium (MSDE) Preparation Scheme for Multi Contrast 3D Vessel Wall Imaging at 3.0T

Computer 5

Makoto Obara1,2, Masatoshi Honda3, Rie Nozaki2, Marc Van Cauteren1, Kagayaki Kuroda2

1Philips Medical Systems, Minato-ku, Japan; 2Tokai University, Hiratsuka-shi, Japan; 3Tokai University Hospital, Isehara-shi, Japan

3D turbo field echo (TFE) sequence prepared by motion sensitized driven equilibrium (3D-MSDE-TFE) was optimized for T1W and T2W carotid artery wall imaging and compared to the conventional 2D double inversion recovery (DIR) turbo spin echo (TSE). T1 and T2 contrasts of 3D-MSDE-TFE were controlled by adjusting the MSDE preparation time, shot interval and acquisition flip angle. MSDE optimization was achieved by changing the number of refocusing pulses from 1 to 4 using MLEV scheme. Achieved T1 and T2 contrasts of the optimized 3D-MSDE-TFE were similar to those of conventional 2D-DIR while scan time was 2 times faster. Therefore, this approach may be appropriate for vessel wall screening.

 

15:00         2843.     Evaluation of the Relationship Between the Superficial Calcification and Intraplaque Hemorrhage in the Atherosclerotic Carotid Plaque by 3T High Resolution MRI

Computer 5

Haiyue Ju1, Xian Xu1, Lin Ma1, Zulong Cai1, Youquan Cai1, Xinjiang Wang1, Jianming Cai1

1Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China

We aim to evaluate the relationship between the shape and location of superficial calcification and intraplaque hemorrhage in the atherosclerotic carotid plaque. One hundred and eighty three slices with superficial calcification in 51 patients were enrolled in this study. All the patients underwent 3T MRI examination with a contrast-enhanced multi-contrast weighted protocol. This study showed that the nodular type of superficial calcification in the atherosclerotic carotid plague has higher possibility of simultaneous occurrence with intraplaque hemorrhage than that of patchy type, whereas, in hemorrhage group, the percentage of either marginal or central type of superficial calcification is not significantly different from that in non-hemorrhage group.

 

15:30         2844.     Gadolinium Contrast Enhancement of Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque is Associated with Symptomatic Status

Computer 5

Jianming Cai1, Niranjan Balu2, Dongxiang Xu2, Haiyue Ju1, Xian Xu1, Xihai Zhao1, Chun Yuan2

1Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China; 2University of Washington, Seattle, USA

Symptomatic carotid atherosclerosis is known to be associated with plaque neovasculature and inflammation. An increase in vasa vasorum accompanies the increased inflammation and plaque neovasculature of advanced atheorsclerosis. The increased blood supply from the vasa vasorum plexus surrounding the carotid artery may be reflected in contrast enhancement (CE) patterns of the outerwall. The association between outerwall CE on black-blood contrast-enhanced MRI (CE-MRI) and symptomatic status was investigated in 24 patients. Outerwall CE was clearly visualized by CE-MRI. Symptomatic status was found to be associated with a more homogenous outerwall CE compared to asymptomatic arteries.

 

14:00         2845.     DSCT and 3T MR for Characterization of Carotid Plaque in Patients

Computer 6

John J. Sheehan1, Natasha Berg2, Timothy Carroll2, Peter J. Weale3, Renate Jerecic3, James C. Carr2

1Northwestern University, Chicago, Ireland; 2Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA; 3Siemens Medical Solutions, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Atherosclerotic disease is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.  Recent studies have suggested that plaque composition is an important prognostic factor and may be more predictive of adverse outcomes than overall degree of stenosis.  Previous studies have attempted to characterize carotid plaque components using various imaging modalities.  In this small patient study, we looked at the relative efficacy of two new technologies, 3 Tesla (3T) MR and Dual Source CT (DSCT) to evaluate plaque components.  We hypothesized that these modalities could provide improved depiction of plaque components, which may have important diagnostic and therapeutic implications.

 

14:30         2846.     Single-Shot DENSE MRI of the Carotid Arteries

Computer 6

Alexander Peter Lin1,2, Eric Bennett2, Yuan Le2, Scott Fraser1, Han Wen2

1California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California , USA; 2National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA

DENSE strain mapping of the carotid artery wall systolic distension provides regional stiffness measures. However, the scan lasts several minutes, and segmented k-space acquisition suffers from artifacts due to head-neck motion and turbulent in-plane blood flow. This problem is solved with a single-shot imaging sequence and rigid body image registration in postprocessing.

 

15:00         2847.     MRI-Based Biomechanical Imaging: Role of Hemodynamic Forces on the Early Plaque Remodeling

Computer 6

Jie Zheng1, Dana Abendschein1, Ruth J. Okamoto2, Deshan Yang1, Kyle McCommis1, Bernd Misselwitz3, Robert J. Gropler1, Dalin Tang4

1Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, USA; 2Washinton University, Saint Louis, USA; 3Bayler Schering Pharma AG, Berlin, Germany; 4Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA

Local hemodynamic forces play important roles in the regulation of early atherosclerosis progression and vessel remodeling. A MRI-based biomechanical imaging technique was developed and evaluated in vivo in a porcine atherosclerotic plaque model. A plaque targeted contrast-enhanced MR images provided plaque structure for the computational modeling in this technique. Progression and regression of the early plaques were observed and flow shear stress show consistent findings with other reports. Furthermore, structures stress and strain also demonstrated strong correlations with plaque progression and regression, indicating multi-factors of hemodynamic effect to the early atherogenesis.

 

15:30         2848.     Characterization of Ex Vivo Carotid Plaque with 3T MRI: A Comparison with Histology

Computer 6

Natasha Berg1, John Joseph Sheehan1, Peter J. Weale2, Mark Morasch1, Nicole Mascheri1, James C. Carr1, Timothy Carroll1

1Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA; 2Siemens Medical Solutions, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.  Previous imaging techniques have focused on quantifying stenosis in the vessel, but recent research suggests that composition of plaque may be a more important prognostic factor.  Ex vivo studies of carotid plaques have attempted to characterize plaque using 1.5 T MR and have shown that 2D PDW, T1W and T2W sequences on MRI may have some utility in demonstrating areas of fibrous matrix and necrotic core. Here, we perform an intial evaluation of 3T MRI in the characterization of ex-vivo carotid plaque specimens.

 

14:00         2849.     High-Resolution Multi-Contrast MRI Characterization of Rabbit Atherosclerosis Using Clinical Pulse Sequences

Computer 7

Andre Jean-Louis Belisle1,2, John A. Ronald,12, Kem A. Rogers1, Brian K. Rutt,12

1University of Western Ontario, London, Canada; 2Robarts Research Institute, London, Canada

We used multi-contrast ex vivo 3T MRI of aortic specimens from defined regions of a low-level long-term cholesterol-fed rabbit model of atherosclerosis. The objective was to collect high-resolution images using clinically available pulse sequences to resolve the structural components of plaques and to provide histological verification. The most complex regions of plaque appear to be in the descending aortic arch which was demonstrated by all sequences and is especially evident when compared to T2w controls. Eventually this research could be used for visualizing the vulnerable plaque and direct further in vivo research by specifying imaging target regions in the aorta.

 

14:30         2850.     In Vivo & Ex Vivo Micro-MRI in Detection of Mouse Atherosclerotic Plaques: An MRI-Histopathology Correlation Study

Computer 7

Daohai Xie1,2, Bensheng Qiu1, Jiangyang Zhang3, Xiaoming Yang1

1University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA; 2Suzhou University School of Medicine, Suzhou, People's Republic of China; 3Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the developed countries. Continuous efforts are warranted to understand more about the pathogenesis and management of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. High-field micro-MR technology offers both high spatial resolution and whole-body coverage. This study focused on evaluation of capability using in vivo and ex vivo micro-MRI to detect mouse atherosclerotic plaques, which was correlated with histopathology.  The results of the current study may encourage the continued efforts to develop high-field MR imaging techniques to characterize atherosclerotic plaques in vivo, so-called ¡°in-vivo plaque pathology,¡± which should become an essential imaging tool for early diagnosis and efficient treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

 

15:00         2851.     in vivo MRI and MRA Assessment of Patency in a Novel Model of Vascular Remodelling Using Patent Aortic Grafts

Computer 7

King Kenneth Cheung1,2, Andrew R. Thompson3, H Hafez4, Andrew M. Taylor2, Roger J. Ordidge1, Stephen E. Humphries3, Mark F. Lythgoe2

1University College London (UCL), London, UK; 2UCL, London, UK; 3Royal Free & University College London Medical School, London, UK; 4St Richards Hospital, Chichester, UK

Fibulin-5 (fbln-5) is an extracellular matrix protein that is central to elastic fibre maturation and vessel development. A novel model has been devised to investigate the role of fbln-5 in vascular remodelling in a patent vessel. As sustained graft patency is central to this model, we evaluated the accuracy of MRI and MRA for determining graft patency in vivo. MRI and MRA correctly identified all patent (n=8) and non-patent (n=3) grafts. The non-invasive and robust nature of MRI and MRA offers an excellent alternative to traditional assessment through repeated invasive surgery, thus improving survival and reducing animal usage.

 

15:30         2852.     Characterisation of Vascular Injury Responses Following Balloon Injury of the Rat Carotid Artery Using Combined in vivo Imaging and ex Vivo Microscopy

Computer 7

King Kenneth Cheung*1,2, Manfred Junemann-Ramirez*2, Pauliina Lehtolainen2, Alan Rudiger2, Mark Turmaine, David Sanz2, Roger J. Ordidge1, John F. Martin2, Mark F. Lythgoe2

1University College London (UCL), London, UK; 2UCL, London, UK

The vascular endothelium is crucial in regulating biological functions such as haemostasis. However this layer is often impaired in cardiovascular diseases. Understanding the evolution of vascular remodelling is therefore of great importance and may provide insights for the development of novel interventions. Here we present the use of in vivo MRI and vascular ultrasound in combination with ex vivo electron microscopy for extensive characterisation of the events involved in vascular remodelling following balloon angioplasty of the rat carotid artery over a 28 day follow-up period.

 

14:00         2853.     New Insights Into Ruptured Plaques: Enhanced Detection of Neovasculature and Fibrous Tissue by MRI

Computer 8

Alkystis Phinikaridou1, Kevin J. Hallock1, Ye Qiao1, James A. Hamilton1

1Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

We used the Constantinides New Zealand White rabbit model to study atherosclerosis and controlled plaque rupture associated with thrombosis. We combined contrast enhanced (Gd-DTPA) in vivo (3T) and magnetization transfer (MT) ex vivo (11.7T) MRI coupled to histology to identify features associated with vulnerable plaques. In vivo, Gd-DTPA uptake was associated with plaque regions rich in neovasculature as well as fibrous tissue. Ex vivo MT identified the location of fibrous cap rupture and fibrosis seen within organized thrombi. Further studies about the kinetics of Gd-DTPA within plaques together with the in vivo application of MT will provide insights about plaque vulnerability.

 

14:30         2854.     Enhancement of the Atherosclerotic Plaque and the Vessel Wall of the Carotid Artery After Injection of a Blood-Pool Contrast Agent
[Not Available]

Computer 8

Sietske Rozie1, Piotr A. Wielopolski1, Mohamed Ouhlous1, Wiro Niessen, Theo van Walsum, Aad van der Lugt1

1Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands

Purpose: We hypothesized that a blood-pool agent enhances the outer wall of the carotid artery and specific parts of the atherosclerotic carotid plaque

Methods: We studied 26 atherosclerotic plaques of 15 consecutive patients with severe carotid stenosis. On a 3.0T scanner a 3DT1-weighted scan was performed before injection and 20 minutes after injection.

Results: The mean enhancement on the 20 minute delay scan was 40.9% ± 32.5% in the non-calcified part of the plaque and 60.0% ± 21.7% in the vessel wall of the symptomatic carotid arteries.

Conclusions: Images obtained before and after contrast injection with Vasovist® may improve atherosclerotic plaque characterisation and quantification.

 

15:00         2855.     In Vivo and ex Vivo plaque Characterisation in the Aortic Arch of ApoE -/- Mice with High-Resolution Multi-Parametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging at 17.6 Tesla

Computer 8

Gert Klug1, Volker Herold1, Marco Parczyk1, Elisabeth Bauer1, Thomas Schulze-Till1, Eberhard Rommel1, Peter Jakob1, Wolfgang Bauer1

1University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany

High-Resolution plaque imaging in atherosclerotic apoE knock-out (-/-) mice has been recently shown to correlate closely with histology. However these results are limited to the aortic-root. We intended to further enhance the ability of high-field magnetic resonance (MR) to characterize plaque formation in murine models of atherosclerosis at microscopic levels. Our results demonstrate that high resolution multi-parametric plaque imaging at 17.6 Tesla is feasible with good correlation to HE histology but further studies are necessary to distinguish plaque components compared to a more comprehensive histology protocol.

 

15:30         2856.     Molecular Imaging of Atherosclerosis Using Paramagnetic Cy5.5-Labeled PEG-Micelles

Computer 8

Sjoerd Hak1, Geralda A.F. van Tilborg1, Esad Vucice2, Gustav J. Strijkers1, Klaas Nicolay1, Zahi A. Fayad2, Willem Jan Menno Mulder2

1Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands; 2Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA

In this study a new contrast agent for molecular imaging of atherosclerosis was used, paramagnetic Cy5.5-labeled PEG-micelles. The targeting ligand used was the RGD-peptide. In vivo MRI and ex vivo fluorescence techniques demonstrated active uptake of RGD-PEG-micelles into atherosclerotic plaque in apoE-knockout mice. The near infrared Cy5.5 fluorophore proofed to be very valuable for ex vivo fluorescence imaging as there is less autofluorescence and better penetration at higher wavelengths. The non-specific uptake of bare PEG-micelles in mouse plaques was very limited. This makes this contrast agent very attractive for molecular imaging of atherosclerosis, also when directed to other targets.

 

Cardiac Image Processing

Hall D                                   Tuesday 13:30-15:30                                                                                                                                             

13:30         2857.     Real-Time Cardiovascular Imaging Using a Combination of HYPR, McKinnon-Bates, and COM Gating Algorithms

Computer 1

Lauren A. Keith1, Dana C. Peters, Julia V. Velikina1

1University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA

We use a combination of the HYPR and McKinnon-Bates algorithms along with center of mass self-gating in order to improve spatial resolution, signal-to-noise ratio and reduce artifact levels in real-time cardiovascular imaging.

 

14:00         2858.     Characteristics and Performance of the Karhunen-Loeve Transform Filter in Dynamic Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Computer 1

Yu Ding1, Yiu-Cho Chung2, Subha V. Raman3, Orlando P. Simonetti3

1The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA; 2Siemens Medical Solutions, Inc., Columbus, Ohio, USA; 3The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA

We describe the characteristics and performance of a new temporal filter based on the optimal linear transform, the Karhunen-Loeve Transform. The filter is designed to suppress noise in dynamic cardiac MR images without compromising the sharpness of stationary or moving edges or other structures. We derive a simple mathematical formula for the noise reduction effect of this filter, and then verify it in real-time cardiac cine MRI with TSENSE acceleration factor 4 in normal volunteers.  A SNR gain of 144% was achieved after filtering without edge blurring or other artifacts.

 

14:30         2859.     Dyadic Wavelet-Based Image Noise Suppression and Enhancement in High-Speed Cardiac MR Parallel Acquisition

Computer 1

Qi Duan1, Jian Chen1, Andrew Francis Laine1, Vinay M. Pai2

1Columbia University, New York, New York, USA; 2SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA

An automated integrated denoising/enhancing approach was applied to images acquired by parallel acquisition techniques in cardiac imaging. In comparison with previous denoising only framework, this new proposed method could future increase the CNR of the denoised images. Quantitative evaluation on phantom and clinical data confirmed the benefit of this new method in terms of improving CNR on parallel MR images. Preliminary results suggested that this new integrated denoising/enhancing framework could further push the limits on the temporal resolution by improving the SNR and CNR simultaneously.

 

15:00         2860.     3D Right Ventricular Strain and Geometry in Pulmonary Hypertension and Normals

Computer 1

Bharath Ambale1, Steven Lloyd2, Thomas Stewart Denney Jr.1, Louis Dell'Italia2, Raymond Benza2, Himanshu Gupta2

1Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA; 2University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA

Accurate assessment of right ventricular (RV) function is clinically important – particularly in pulmonary hypertension (PHTN).  Compared to the left ventricle (LV), however, analysis of RV function is relatively difficult.  Unlike the LV, the RV does not have geometric symmetry, precluding use of simple geometric models to calculate RV volumes and wall stress.  Also, in PHTN, higher systolic blood pressure in the RV can cause excursion of the interventricular septum into the LV cavity.  As a result, the LV cavity can also lose its geometric symmetry.  This abstract presents methods for reconstructing three-dimensional biventricular geometry and strain in both normal volunteers and PTN patients.

 

13:30         2861.     Direct Quantification of 3-D Myocardial Principal Strain Orientations: A New Insight Into Heart Regional Function Abnormality

Computer 2

Khaled Zakarya Abd-Elmoniem1, Matthias Stuber1, Amr A. Youssef1, Tetsuo Sasano1, Theodore P. Abraham1, Xiaofeng Lui1, Sandeep Mullur1, Evert-Jan P. A. Vonken1, M. Roselle Abraham1, Jerry L. Prince1

1The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA

We present afast algorithm for direct and complete characterization of 3-D time-course of principle strain orientations using data acquired with zHARP imaging protocol from SA slices without the need for LA data. Using this scheme, two or more SA slices are acquired and processed using zHARP and the 3-D strain tensor and principal strain angles are calculated.  Results from infarct swine model shows that strain orientations time-course can provide more information about heart dynamics, especially when combined with efficient 3-D motion imaging.

 

14:00         2862.     Quantification of Myocardial Strain at Early Systole in Mouse Heart:  Restoration of Undeformed Tagging Grid with Single Point HARP

Computer 2

Wei Li1, Jia Zhong2, Xin Yu2

1Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland , Ohio, USA; 2Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

Current MRI tagging analysis often employs the first tagging image as the reference frame. However, for a mouse heart, the first tagging image is frequently acquired at early systole with significant tag line deformation due to fast heart rate. In this study, a HARP-based method was develop to generate an undeformed tagging grids. Myocardial deformation at early systole was analyzed using this method.

 

14:30         2863.     Noise Measurement in Real-Time Cardiac Cine MRI Using Eigenvalues of Karhunen-Loeve Transform

Computer 2

Yu Ding1, Yiu-Cho Chung2, Subha V. Raman3, Orlando P. Simonetti3

1The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA; 2Siemens Medical Solutions, Inc., Columbus, Ohio, USA; 3The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA

Noise measurement is difficult in real-time cine MRI using parallel acquisition techniques because of cardiac and respiratory motion and the spatially variant nature of both signal and noise.  In this work, we investigate using eigenvalues derived from the Karhunen-Loeve Transform to assess mean noise standard deviation in dynamic MR cardiac images. This method may have general application in the evaluation of dynamic imaging methods, and other situations other methods of noise measurement are difficult to apply.

 

15:00         2864.     DENSE-MR-Elastography for Cardiac Application

Computer 2

Benjamin Robert1, Ralph Sinkus1, Jean-Luc Gennisson1, Mathias Fink1

1Laboratoire Ondes et Acoustique, Paris, France

Imaging of mechanical shear waves via MR-Elastography (MRE) allows the assessment of inherent viscoelastic tissue parameters. Cardiac MRE poses several technical challenges: small relaxation times, time dependant viscoelastic properties during the heart beat, respiratory motion. To overcome the short relaxation time and the externally induced mechanical wave problems, a MRE sequence has been adapted from a DENSE sequence.

 

MRA -Other Techniques

Hall D                                   Tuesday 13:30-15:30                                                                                                                                             

13:30         2865.     Increased Volume of Coverage for Abdominal Contrast-Enhanced MRA with 2D Autocalibrating Parallel Imaging: Initial Experience at 3.0T

Computer 3

Darren Lum1, Reed Busse2, Christopher Francois1, Anja Brau3, Philip Beatty3, Joshua Huff1, Jean Brittain2, Scott Reeder1

1University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA; 2GE Healthcare, Madison, Wisconsin, USA; 3GE Healthcare, Menlo Park, California , USA

We utilize a 2D parallel imaging method (Autocalibrating Reconstruction for Cartesian sampling - ARC) with 3D contrast enhanced MRA for complete abdominal coverage within a breath hold.  An intra-individual comparison study between both parallel imaging accelerated and non-accelerated exams was performed in 6 healthy volunteers.  In addition 8 consecutive patients were evaluated with 2D-ARC MRA.  We find that the subjective image quality of exams with 2D-ARC to be essentially equivalent to those acquired without parallel imaging.  However, the 2D-ARC sequence provided a 3.5 fold increase in imaging volume and a 30% reduction in voxel size in the same acquisition time.

 

14:00         2866.     Whole-Body MR Angiography with Parallel Imaging – Benefit of a Dedicated 32 Channel Whole-Body MR Scanner Equipped with a Matrix Coil System at 1.5 and 3.0 Tesla

Computer 3

Harald Kramer1, Konstantin Nikolaou1, Henrik J. Michaely2, Christian Glaser1, Maximilian F. Reiser1

1University Hospitals Munich - Grosshadern Campus, Munich, Germany; 2University Hospital Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany

Atherosclerosis is a systemic vessel disease. MRI offers the possibility of whole body MRA with excellent image quality and without ionizing radiation. First attempts to WB MRA suffered from MR system Hardware restrictions, recent developments in MR Hard- and Software like parallel imaging, dedicated coil systems and higher field strength helped to increase image quality of WB MRA exams significantly.

 

14:30         2867.     Comparison of Scoutless EZ-STEP and Conventional Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Angiography in Thoracic Aorta at 3T

Computer 3

Xiaohai Ma1,2, Zhaoqi Zhang1, Yi He1, Zhanming Fan1

1Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China; 2Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA

Compared to conventional CE-MRA, EZ-STEP is a timesaving method for thoracic aorta imaging in 3T MR scanner, and also provides comparable image quality.

 

15:00         2868.     Calculating Peripheral MRA Bolus Timing Using Cine-Phase Contrast Flow Measurements

Computer 3

Grace Choi1, Ryan Brown1, Minh Chao1, Yi Wang1, Martin R. Prince1

1Cornell University - Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, USA

Total Gadolinium dose can be reduced on whole body and peripheral MRA by using 2D cine phase contrast MRA to calculate bolus velocity at 7 locations along the arterial tree.  Accuracy of this approach was confirmed by comparison to bolus transit measurements from 1.8s temporal resolution time-resolved MRA.  Example cases show diagnostic peripheral MRA with single dose gadolinium based contrast agent. These data also show a 2-fold reduction in bolus transit time with venous compression applied to thighs.

 

Time-resolved (YD) MRA

Hall D                                   Tuesday 13:30-15:30                                                                                                                                             

13:30         2869.     High Spatial and Temporal Resolution MRA of the Entire Peripheral Vascular System Using a New 3D Time-Resolved MRA Technique (TWIST)

Computer 4

Florian M. Vogt1, Stefan Maderwald1, Knut Kroeger1, Gerhard Laub2, Randall Kroeker3, Joerg Barkhausen1, Harald H. Quick1

1University Hospital, Essen, Germany; 2University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California , USA; 3Siemens Medical Solutions, USA

Purpose was to develop a triple injection scan protocol for dynamic