A fast screening protocol for carotid plaques imaging using 3D multi-contrast MRI without contrast agent.

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Neurology
• Cardiovascular Imaging

Background:

• Carotid plaque buildup is a significant risk factor for stroke.
• Current MRI protocols for carotid plaque assessment can be time-consuming.
• Contrast agents carry potential risks and increase examination time.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a fast, 15-minute, 3D multi-contrast MRI protocol for carotid plaque screening.
• To evaluate the feasibility of non-contrast MRI for carotid plaque detection.
• To assess image quality and diagnostic information provided by the rapid protocol.

Main Methods:

• A 15-minute MRI protocol using 3D T1-weighted and T2-weighted SPACE, and T1-weighted MPRAGE sequences was implemented on a 3T scanner.
• The protocol was tested on 7 healthy volunteers and 25 patients with suspected cerebrovascular ischemia.
• Image quality, plaque detection, and vessel wall thickness were compared between pre-contrast 3D sequences and conventional 2D sequences.

Main Results:

• The average scan time was 14.6 minutes, achieving the target of ~15 minutes.
• High image quality scores were obtained for the 3D sequences (T1-SPACE: 3.69, T2-SPACE: 3.75, T1-MPRAGE: 3.48).
• Pre-contrast 3D images showed no significant difference in plaque detection compared to post-contrast images, and excellent agreement in vessel wall thickness measurements with 2D sequences.

Conclusions:

• The proposed 15-minute MRI protocol is feasible for rapid carotid plaque screening.
• Non-contrast 3D MRI sequences provide sufficient diagnostic information for carotid plaque assessment.
• This protocol offers a fast, reliable, and contrast-agent-free approach for screening carotid plaques.