Zimmermann G G, Erhart P, Schneider J, von Schulthess G K, Schmidt M, Debatin J F
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland.
Radiology. 1997 Sep;204(3):769-74. doi: 10.1148/radiology.204.3.9280257.
To assess the potential role of intravascular magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with receiver coils mounted to an inflatable balloon in characterizing atherosclerotic plaque.
Twelve human harvested segmental femoral arteries with atherosclerotic changes were studied with a 5-F imaging balloon catheter equipped with a single-loop wire receiver coil. Imaging was performed with an open-configuration 0.5-T (n = 6) or a 1.5-T (n = 6) MR system, with T1- and T2-weighted sequences. Histologic analysis was the reference standard, and MR images were analyzed with regard to vessel wall thickness, plaque area, and components.
Images acquired at 1.5 T were characterized by better in-plane resolution (117 x 104 microm). Resolution at 0.5 T (234 x 178 microm) was sufficient to discriminate the wall layers. On T2-weighted images, adventitia, media, and thickened intima could be discriminated. T1-weighted images did not permit differentiation between wall layers. There was good correlation between MR and histologic measurements of wall thickness (r = .97) and plaque area (r = .98). Plaque characterization was possible on T2-weighted images. Calcified plaque was identified as areas of low signal intensity (134 +/- 98) and could be differentiated from fibrous structures containing collagen (1,968 +/- 680) or fatty components (762 +/- 394).
Intravascular MR imaging on the basis of the balloon catheter design enables differentiation of wall layers and plaque components.
评估将接收线圈安装在可充气气球上的血管内磁共振（MR）成像在表征动脉粥样硬化斑块方面的潜在作用。
使用配备单环金属丝接收线圈的5F成像球囊导管对12条有动脉粥样硬化改变的人体股动脉节段进行研究。成像采用开放式0.5T（n = 6）或1.5T（n = 6）MR系统，采用T1加权和T2加权序列。组织学分析为参考标准，对MR图像的血管壁厚度、斑块面积和成分进行分析。
1.5T采集的图像具有更好的平面分辨率（117×104微米）。0.5T时的分辨率（234×178微米）足以区分各壁层。在T2加权图像上，可区分外膜、中膜和增厚的内膜。T1加权图像无法区分壁层。MR与组织学测量的壁厚度（r = 0.97）和斑块面积（r = 0.98）之间具有良好的相关性。在T2加权图像上可以对斑块进行表征。钙化斑块被识别为低信号强度区域（134±98），可与含胶原的纤维结构（1968±680）或脂肪成分（762±394）区分开来。
基于球囊导管设计的血管内MR成像能够区分壁层和斑块成分。
