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Non-contrast 3D black blood MRI for abdominal aortic aneurysm surveillance: comparison with CT angiography

Chengcheng Zhu1, Bing Tian2, Joseph R Leach1

  • 1Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, Room BA34, VA Medical Center, 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA.

European Radiology
|August 25, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Non-contrast MRI accurately measures abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) diameter, offering an alternative to CT angiography. This imaging technique also reveals detailed intraluminal thrombus composition, potentially aiding in risk assessment for disease progression.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Imaging
  • Radiology
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) management relies on diameter measurements.
  • CT angiography (CTA) is standard but involves radiation and contrast agents.
  • Non-contrast MRI offers a radiation-free alternative for AAA assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Validate non-contrast MRI for accurate AAA diameter measurement.
  • Compare non-contrast MRI with CTA for AAA diameter assessment.
  • Evaluate the characterization of intraluminal thrombus (ILT) using both CTA and MRI.

Main Methods:

  • 28 patients with AAAs underwent both CTA and non-contrast MRI at 3T.
  • Two MRI sequences were used: conventional 3D GRE and 3D T1-weighted black blood.
  • AAA diameter was measured independently by two radiologists; ILT composition was analyzed via signal ratios.

Main Results:

  • Non-contrast MRI demonstrated strong agreement and excellent inter-observer reproducibility for AAA diameter measurement compared to CTA.
  • CTA showed homogenous ILT, while MRI revealed compositional variations (old/fresh thrombus).
  • ILT composition varied across different AAA sizes.

Conclusions:

  • Non-contrast 3D black blood MRI is a validated, accurate, and reproducible method for measuring AAA diameter.
  • MRI provides unique insights into ILT composition, potentially improving risk stratification for AAA progression.
  • Non-contrast MRI is a promising alternative to CTA in AAA management.
Keywords:
Abdominal aortic aneurysm surveillanceCT angiographyDiameter measurementIntraluminal thrombus compositionNon-contrast MRI

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