[Intravascular MR imaging: the first in-vivo experiences in an animal arteriosclerosis model].

PURPOSE

To evaluate intravascular MR imaging in normal New Zealand rabbits and hereditary hyperlipidaemic Watanabe rabbits (WHHL) with histological correlation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The suprarenal abdominal aortas of two normal and two WHHL rabbits were examined by conventional angiography, high resolution MRT with a surface coil and intravascular MRT in a 1.5 T system. The intravascular reception coil consisted of a copper wire loop built into the balloon of an angioplasty catheter. The findings were correlated with histological examinations.

RESULTS

Excellent spin echo images with a resolution of 78 x 156 microns were obtained in less than 4 minutes. The arteriosclerotic changes in the vessels of the WHHL rabbits could not be recognised angiographically. High resolution MRT with surface coils showed mural thickening but a detailed demonstration of arteriosclerotic lesions was possible only by means of high resolution intravascular imaging. There was good histological correlation.

CONCLUSION

Arteriosclerotic lesions can be demonstrated in vivo by high resolution intravascular imaging.