Comparison of 5.0T and 3.0T time-of-flight MR angiography for visualizing the anterior choroidal artery

This study aimed to compare the image quality of 5.0T and 3.0T time-of-flight (TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for visualization of the anterior choroidal artery (AChA).

This retrospective study included patients who underwent both 3.0T and 5.0T TOF-MRA within a 48-hour interval. Objective image quality was assessed using signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Subjective image quality was independently evaluated by two radiologists using segment-based AChA visibility scores, and quantitative measurements of vessel length and diameter were obtained.

A total of 42 patients who underwent both 3.0T and 5.0T TOF-MRA were included in the paired analysis. Compared with 3.0T imaging, 5.0T TOF-MRA demonstrated significantly higher objective image quality, with increased signal-to-noise ratio (93 ± 5 vs. 65 ± 3) and contrast-to-noise ratio (75 ± 6 vs. 52 ± 4) (both P < 0.001). Subjective analysis showed significantly higher visibility scores for distal anterior choroidal artery segments on 5.0T imaging, particularly for the A2 (P = 0.007) and A3 (P < 0.001) segments. Paired morphological measurements further demonstrated greater apparent AChA length (left: 24.4 ± 7.3 mm vs. 18.7 ± 9.2 mm; P < 0.001) and diameter (left: 1.1 mm (1.0-1.2) vs. 0.9 mm (0.7-1.1); P < 0.001) on 5.0T TOF-MRA compared with 3.0T imaging.

5.0T TOF-MRA improved visualization of the AChA, particularly its distal segments, compared with 3.0T imaging; further studies are needed to clarify its clinical implications.

Not applicable.