Quantitative evaluation of k-space reordering schemes for compatible dual-echo arteriovenography (CODEA)

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background:

• Compatible dual-echo arteriovenography (CODEA) enables simultaneous MR angiography (MRA) and MR venography (MRV) acquisition.
• CODEA utilizes an echo-specific k-space reordering scheme for improved imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the image quality of CODEA MRA/MRV using one-dimensional (1D) versus two-dimensional (2D) k-space reordering schemes.
• To assess the impact of CODEA on contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) for arteries and veins.

Main Methods:

• Implementation and comparison of 1D and 2D echo-specific k-space reordering within the CODEA technique.
• Quantitative analysis of contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) for CODEA MRA/MRV compared to conventional MRA/MRV methods.

Main Results:

• The 2D reordering scheme showed an 8% improvement in CNR for small arteries (not statistically significant).
• CODEA MRAs demonstrated superior CNR compared to non-CODEA dual-echo MRA, especially for small arteries (+45%).
• CODEA MRA CNR was comparable to conventional single-echo MRA for large arteries but reduced for small arteries (-20%).
• CODEA MRV CNR was equivalent to conventional single-echo and non-CODEA dual-echo MRVs, with some veins showing enhanced contrast relative to arteries.

Conclusions:

• The 2D reordering scheme offers potential benefits for CODEA MRA, particularly for small arteries.
• CODEA provides a valuable alternative for simultaneous MRA and MRV, with competitive or improved image quality over conventional methods.
• Further optimization of CODEA may enhance its utility in clinical neurovascular imaging.