Supra-aortic arteries: Three-dimensional time-resolved k-t BLAST contrast-enhanced mra using a nondedicated body coil at 3 tesla in acute ischemic stroke

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the image quality and diagnostic performance achieved by using supra-aortic 3D-TR-CE-k-t BLAST MRA and a nondedicated body coil as compared with conventional CE-MRA in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, 36 consecutive patients with a suspected acute ischemic stroke underwent both k-t BLAST MRA and conventional CE-MRA. Image quality was assessed using visual and quantitative criteria and the techniques were compared. Both techniques were compared for degree of visual and quantitative measurement of carotid stenosis. Results: Delineation of vessel lumen and overall diagnostic confidence were significantly better with CE-MRA, respectively 3.4±0.5 and 3.3±0.6 (mean score6SD), than with k-t BLAST MRA, respectively 2.8±0.4 and 2.9±0.5 (P<0.02). SNR and CNR were significantly higher for k-t BLAST MRA, respectively 33.5±19.3 and 27.9±19.3, than for CE-MRA, respectively 25.7610 and 20.4±8.4 (P<0.03). Intertechnique agreement was good for carotid stenosis characterization (k=.763). For the 14 relevant stenosis, stenosis measurements were highly correlated between techniques (0.96; P<0.0001). The Bland-Altman plot showed a low bias in assessment of the degree of stenosis (mean bias 2.1%67.7). Conclusion: k-t BLAST MRA using a nondedicated coil offering and dynamic information was a effective diagnostic tool for detection and characterization of carotid stenosis.