Optimization of Image Quality for Quantitative Multicontrast Atherosclerosis Characterization (qMATCH): Comparison...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Medical Physics
• Radiology

Background:

• Quantitative Multi-Contrast Atherosclerosis Characterization (qMATCH) provides high-resolution 3D multi-contrast imaging for carotid atherosclerosis.
• The optimal acquisition orientation for qMATCH to ensure reproducible image quality is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare image quality, motion robustness, and reproducibility between transverse and coronal qMATCH acquisitions for carotid atherosclerosis.
• To determine the preferred orientation for qMATCH in clinical practice, especially for motion-prone patients.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 30 participants with moderate-to-severe carotid stenosis, undergoing two qMATCH scans each (total 60 sessions).
• Comparison of image quality scores, motion artifact prevalence, apparent signal-to-noise ratio (aSNR) of the arterial wall, and T1/T2 quantification reproducibility between transverse and coronal orientations.

Main Results:

• Coronal qMATCH acquisitions showed significantly fewer motion artifacts (34.7% vs 41.5%) and higher arterial wall aSNR (5.10 vs 4.36) compared to transverse.
• Coronal imaging also demonstrated superior image quality (2.78 vs 2.72) and aSNR in motion-corrupted images.
• Better reproducibility for T1/T2 quantification was observed with coronal acquisitions, particularly in cases with motion.

Conclusions:

• Coronal qMATCH imaging is more robust to motion artifacts than transverse qMATCH.
• Coronal orientation provides better image quality and reproducibility, making it more suitable for longitudinal carotid imaging studies and patients susceptible to motion.
• The findings support the adoption of coronal qMATCH for enhanced carotid atherosclerosis assessment.