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.
OBJECTIVE
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.


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 score ± SD), 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 25.7 ± 10 and 20.4 ± 8.4 (P < 0.03). Intertechnique agreement was good for carotid stenosis characterization (κ = .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% ± 7.7).


CONCLUSIONS
k-t BLAST MRA using a nondedicated coil offering and dynamic information was a effective diagnostic tool for detection and characterization of carotid stenosis.
CHU Rennes, Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital of Rennes, Rennes, France.
Jean-Christophe
JC
Ferré
Hélène
H
Raoult
Stéphane
S
Breil
Béatrice
B
Carsin-Nicol
Thomas
T
Ronzière
Jean-Yves
JY
Gauvrit
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001027:Aortography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D020520:Brain Infarction / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002533:Cerebral Angiography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008536:Meglumine; D008875:Middle Aged; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D003287:Contrast Media; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D008536:Meglumine; C072417:gadoterate meglumine
MRA; contrast-enhanced MRA; stroke; time-resolved