Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026
Assessing Cortical Cerebral Microinfarcts on High Resolution MR Images
Published on: November 20, 2015
High resolution imaging of cerebral small vessel disease with 7 T MRI
Susanne J van Veluw1, Jaco J M Zwanenburg, Jeroen Hendrikse
1Department of Neurology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, G03.232, 85500, Utrecht, 3508 GA, The Netherlands, s.j.veluw-2@umcutrecht.nl.
Abstract:
Small vessel disease (SVD) refers to all pathological processes that affect the small vessels of the brain. SVD is an important cause of acute stroke, but is also a leading cause of aging-related cognitive decline and dementia, due to more insidious brain parenchymal damage. The introduction of high field strength MRI (7 T) is likely to offer important new perspectives on the role of SVD in these disorders. In this overview we illustrate the opportunities that 7 T MRI offers in high resolution vascular imaging. In particular, we will show the capability of 7 T MRI to depict the small arteries and veins in the brain, the vascular wall of intracranial arteries, perivascular spaces, and microvascular parenchymal lesions, including microbleeds and microinfarcts.
Insights
Small vessel disease (SVD) impacts brain health, causing stroke and cognitive decline. High-field 7 Tesla MRI offers new high-resolution imaging to better visualize SVD and its effects.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Small vessel disease (SVD) is a significant cause of stroke, cognitive decline, and dementia.
- SVD involves pathological processes affecting the brain's small blood vessels, leading to parenchymal damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the potential of 7 Tesla (7 T) MRI for high-resolution vascular imaging in SVD.
- To demonstrate 7 T MRI's capability in visualizing small brain arteries and veins, intracranial arterial walls, perivascular spaces, and microvascular lesions.
Main Methods:
- Review of 7 T MRI capabilities for high-resolution vascular imaging.
- Illustrative examples of 7 T MRI's depiction of SVD-related pathologies.
Main Results:
- 7 T MRI provides unprecedented detail of small cerebral arteries and veins.
- High-field MRI can visualize the vascular wall of intracranial arteries and perivascular spaces.
- 7 T MRI effectively depicts microvascular lesions like microbleeds and microinfarcts associated with SVD.
Conclusions:
- 7 T MRI offers significant advancements in understanding the role of SVD in neurological disorders.
- High-resolution imaging with 7 T MRI is crucial for diagnosing and studying SVD and its consequences.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Imaging Studies VII: Vascular Imaging
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging
01:21Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI