Intra-individual comparison of image contrast in SPIO-enhanced liver MRI at 1.5T and 3.0T.
The purpose of the study was to examine if the higher susceptibility at 3.0 Tesla (T) compared to 1.5 T will affect the contrast in MR imaging of the liver after application of superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (SPIO). The study was approved by our institutional review board and informed consent was obtained. Seventeen healthy volunteers were examined in a prospective, intra-individual comparative study within one day on a 1.5 T and a 3.0 T MRI system. T2 weighted TSE sequences were acquired after bolus injection of a SPIO contrast agent. Image contrast and signal to noise ratio (SNR) were compared between the field strengths. Image contrast was calculated between the liver tissue and the kidneys / spleen / muscles and fluids. The students'T-test was used for statistical analysis. No influence of the higher field strength could be observed on image contrast except for the liver / muscle contrast. This was due to a distinct SNR increase of the muscle tissue at 3.0 T as a result of their relaxation properties. The higher susceptibility at 3.0 T compared to 1.5 T does not translate into a stronger signal attenuation of the SPIO enhanced liver parenchyma.
von Falkenhausen
Marcus
M
Department of Radiology, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse 25, 53105, Bonn, Germany. marcus.von_falkenhausen@ukb.uni-bonn.de
Meyer
Carsten
C
Lutterbey
Götz
G
Morakkabati
Nuschin
N
Walter
Oliver
O
Gieseke
Jürgen
J
Blömer
Renate
R
Willinek
Winfried A
WA
Kuhl
Christiane K
CK
Schild
Hans H
HH
D000328:Adult; D003287:Contrast Media; D003911:Dextrans; D005260:Female; D052203:Ferrosoferric Oxide; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007501:Iron; D008099:Liver / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D058185:Magnetite Nanoparticles; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010087:Oxides
D003287:Contrast Media; D003911:Dextrans; D058185:Magnetite Nanoparticles; D010087:Oxides; D007501:Iron; C065507:ferumoxides; D052203:Ferrosoferric Oxide