Parmede Vakil

Intracranial 4D Flow MRI: Toward Individualized Assessment of Arteriovenous Malformation Hemodynamics and Treatment-Induced Changes

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Arteriovenous malformations are an important etiology of hemorrhagic stroke. However, current imaging modalities and risk do not provide insights into individual AVM hemodynamics and its role in pathophysiology. The aims of this study are to determine whether intracranial 4D flow MR imaging can provide insights into arteriovenous malformation hemodynamics independent of the Spetzler-Martin grade and to report the changes in flow observed during staged embolization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Intracranial 3D blood flow was assessed in 20 patients with AVM (age = 39 ± 15 years, Spetzler-Martin grade ranging from 1–4) with the use of 4D flow MR imaging (temporal resolution = 45 ms, spatial resolution = [1.2–1.6mm]3). AVM hemodynamics were visualized by means of time-integrated 3D pathlines depicting the AVM arterial feeding and venous draining patterns over the cardiac cycle. Analysis included the grading of feeding and draining velocities on a 3-point scale (0 = low <25 cm/s, 1 = medium <50 cm/s, 2 = high >50 cm/s). For 4 of 20 patients undergoing 4D flow MR imaging follow-up after staged embolization, peak velocities were quantified in arterial feeders, draining veins, the sagittal sinus, and contralateral arteries. RESULTS: In 50% of the cases with Spetzler-Martin grade >2, heterogeneous flow (velocity grade differences >1) was found across arteries and veins. Velocities in draining veins increased from Spetzler-Martin grade = 1 (grading = 0.5 ± 0.6) to Spetzler-Martin grade ≥3 (1.1 ± 0.6), whereas arterial velocities were similar (1.7 ± 0.6 versus 1.5 ± 0.6). In the postembolization subgroup of 4 patients, 4D flow MR imaging demonstrated successively more compact AVM and redistribution of velocities. Changes in arterial and venous velocities during treatment were highly different among individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Spetzler-Martin grade does not reflect differences in 3D AVM arterial and venous hemodynamics, and an individual assessment of AVM hemodynamics may be needed for improved lesion characterization. Four-dimensional flow MR imaging may have the potential to monitor and guide embolization treatment planning.

Spectroscopic Microvascular Blood Detection From the Endoscopically Normal Colonic Mucosa: Biomarker for Neoplasia Risk

BACKGROUND & AIMS We previously used a novel biomedical optics technology, 4-dimensional elastically scattered light fingerprinting, to show that in experimental colon carcinogenesis the predysplastic epithelial microvascular blood content is increased markedly. To assess the potential clinical translatability of this putative field effect marker, we characterized the early increase in blood supply (EIBS) in human beings in vivo. METHODS We developed a novel, endoscopically compatible, polarization-gated, spectroscopic probe that was capable of measuring oxygenated and deoxygenated (Dhb) hemoglobin specifically in the mucosal microcirculation through polarization gating. Microvascular blood content was measured in 222 patients from the endoscopically normal cecum, midtransverse colon, and rectum. If a polyp was present, readings were taken from the polyp tissue along with the normal mucosa 10-cm and 30-cm proximal and distal to the lesion. RESULTS Tissue phantom studies showed that the probe had outstanding accuracy for hemoglobin determination (r(2) = 0.99). Augmentation of microvasculature blood content was most pronounced within the most superficial ( approximately 100 microm) layer and dissipated in deeper layers (ie, submucosa). EIBS was detectable within 30 cm from the lesion and the magnitude mirrored adenoma proximity. This occurred for both oxygenated hemoglobin and DHb, with the effect size being slightly greater for DHb. EIBS correlated with adenoma size and was not engendered by nonneoplastic (hyperplastic) polyps. CONCLUSIONS We show, herein, that in vivo microvascular blood content can be measured and provides an accurate marker of field carcinogenesis. This technological/biological advance has numerous potential applications in colorectal cancer screening such as improved polyp detection and risk stratification.

Three-dimensional hemodynamics in intracranial aneurysms: Influence of size and morphology

To use four‐dimensional (4D)‐flow MRI for the comprehensive in vivo analysis of hemodynamics and its relationship to size and morphology of different intracranial aneurysms (IA). We hypothesize that different IA groups, defined by size and morphology, exhibit different velocity fields, wall shear stress, and vorticity.

3D Hemodynamics in Intracranial Aneurysms: Influence of Size and Morphology

To use four‐dimensional (4D)‐flow MRI for the comprehensive in vivo analysis of hemodynamics and its relationship to size and morphology of different intracranial aneurysms (IA). We hypothesize that different IA groups, defined by size and morphology, exhibit different velocity fields, wall shear stress, and vorticity.

T1 Gadolinium Enhancement of Intracranial Atherosclerotic Plaques Associated with Symptomatic Ischemic Presentations

The degree of contrast enhancement was assessed in 22 high-grade intracranial stenoses that were either symptomatic or asymptomatic. Seventy percent of symptomatic plaques showed contrast enhancement whereas this was seen in only 8% of those that were asymptomatic. This study suggests that intracranial stenoses can be evaluated with conventional MRI protocols and that there is a strong association between plaque contrast enhancement and ischemic symptoms. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Contrast enhancement of intracranial atherosclerotic plaques has recently been investigated using high field and high resolution MR imaging as a risk factor in the development of ischemic stroke. We studied the reliability of conventional MR imaging at 1.5T in evaluating intraplaque enhancement and its relationship with acute cerebrovascular ischemic presentations in patients with severe intracranial atherosclerotic disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively identified and analyzed 19 patients with 22 high-grade intracranial atherosclerotic disease plaques (>70% stenosis) in vessels cross-sectionally visualized by neuroanatomic MR imaging. Atherosclerotic plaques were classified as asymptomatic or symptomatic. Two blinded neuroradiologists independently ranked each lesion for the presence of intraplaque enhancement by use of a 5-point scale (1–5). Furthermore, plaque enhancement was quantified as the relative change in T1WI spin-echo signal intensity (postcontrast/precontrast) in the vessel wall at the site of each intracranial atherosclerotic disease lesion. RESULTS: Intraplaque enhancement was observed in 7 of 10 (70%) symptomatic plaques, in contrast to 1 of 12 (8%) asymptomatic plaques. Interobserver reliability correlated well for intraplaque enhancement (κ = 0.82). The degree of relative plaque enhancement in symptomatic versus asymptomatic lesions (63% versus 23%) was statistically significant (P = .001, t test). CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study, we determined that intraplaque enhancement could be reliably evaluated with the use of cross-sectional imaging and analysis of vessels/plaques by use of conventional neuroanatomic MR imaging protocols. In addition, we observed a strong association between intraplaque enhancement in severe intracranial atherosclerotic disease lesions and ischemic events with the use of conventional MR imaging. Our preliminary study suggests that T1 gadolinium-enhancing plaques may be an indicator of progressing or symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic disease.

Time-resolved magnetic resonance angiography: Evaluation of intrapulmonary circulation parameters in pulmonary arterial hypertension

To determine whether pulmonary arterial and venous transit times measured by time‐resolved magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) can be used as a diagnostic tool for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Evaluation of 4D Vascular Flow and Tissue Perfusion in Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations: Influence of Spetzler-Martin Grade, Clinical Presentation, and AVM Risk Factors

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The role of intracranial hemodynamics in the pathophysiology and risk stratification of brain AVMs remains poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of Spetzler-Martin grade, clinical history, and risk factors on vascular flow and tissue perfusion in cerebral AVMs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 4D flow and perfusion MR imaging was performed in 17 patients with AVMs. Peak velocity and blood flow were quantified in AVM feeding and contralateral arteries, draining veins, and the straight sinus. Regional perfusion ratios (CBF, CBV, and MTT) were calculated between affected and nonaffected hemispheres. RESULTS: Regarding flow parameters, high-grade AVMs (Spetzler-Martin grade of >2) demonstrated significantly increased peak velocity and blood flow in the major feeding arteries (P < .001 and P = .004) and straight sinus (P = .003 and P = .012) and increased venous draining flow (P = .001). The Spetzler-Martin grade significantly correlated with cumulative feeding artery flow (r = 0.85, P < .001) and draining vein flow (r = 0.80, P < .001). Regarding perfusion parameters, perinidal CBF and CBV ratios were significantly lower (P < .001) compared with the remote ratios and correlated negatively with cumulative feeding artery flow (r = −0.60, P = .014 and r = −0.55, P = .026) and draining vein flow (r = −0.60, P = .013 and r = −0.56, P = .025). Multiple regression analysis revealed no significant association of AVM flow or perfusion parameters with clinical presentation (rupture and seizure history) and AVM risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Macrovascular flow was significantly associated with increasing Spetzler-Martin grade and correlated with perinidal microvascular perfusion in cerebral AVMs. Future longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate the potential of comprehensive cerebral flow and perfusion MR imaging for AVM risk stratification.

Cerebrovascular Occlusive Disease: Quantitative Cerebral Blood Flow Using Dynamic Susceptibility Contrast MR Imaging Correlates with Quantitative H2[15O] PET

PURPOSE To compare quantitative values of cerebral blood flow (CBF) derived from dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with reference standard positron emission tomography (PET) in patients with confirmed cerebrovascular occlusive disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS Local institutional review board approval and informed consent were obtained for a prospective study of 18 patients (six men, 12 women; age range, 28-71 years; mean age, 45 years ± 10.4 [standard deviation]) with angiographically confirmed Moyamoya (n = 8) or internal carotid artery occlusions (n = 10). DSC MR images and oxygen 15-labeled water (H(2)[(15)O]) PET images were acquired on the same day. DSC images were postprocessed to yield parametric images of CBF (in mL/100 g/min), coregistered, and analyzed using grid-based regions of interest. Mean values of CBF in each region of interest from MR imaging and PET data sets were compared. Correlations for each patient were determined and overall agreement between pooled MR imaging and PET CBF was reported using linear regression analysis and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS Strong correlations (r(2) ≥ 0.55) were found between MR imaging and PET CBF values in all patients. Use of the bookend approach was found to underestimate CBF predictably across the patient cohort (mean slope, 0.82; standard deviation, 0.18; slope of aggregated data, 0.75). This allowed for a simple rescaling of MR imaging values producing strong agreement with PET values in the aggregated data (r(2) = 0.66; slope = 1.00; intercept = 0.00). CONCLUSION The data show that the bookend MR imaging technique produces similar results for quantitative CBF between DSC MR imaging and H(2)[(15)O] PET. Although MR-derived CBF underestimated PET-derived CBF, the patient-to-patient variability in the slopes of the linear MR and PET relationships was significantly smaller than a competing quantitation technique. As a result, the bookend technique appears to more predictably measure quantitative CBF in a clinical setting.

Correction for arterial-tissue delay and dispersion in absolute quantitative cerebral perfusion DSC MR imaging.

The singular value decomposition deconvolution of cerebral tissue concentration–time curves with the arterial input function is commonly used in dynamic susceptibility contrast cerebral perfusion MR imaging. However, it is sensitive to the time discrepancy between the arrival of the bolus in the tissue concentration–time curve and the arterial input function signal. This normally causes inaccuracy in the quantitative perfusion maps due to delay and dispersion effects. A comprehensive correction algorithm has been achieved through slice‐dependent time‐shifting of the arterial input function, and a delay‐dependent dispersion correction model. The correction algorithm was tested in 11 healthy subjects and three ischemic stroke patients scanned with a quantitative perfusion pulse sequence at 1.5 T. A validation study was performed on five patients with confirmed cerebrovascular occlusive disease scanned with MRI and positron emission tomography at 3.0 T. A significant effect (P < 0.05) was reported on the quantitative cerebral blood flow and mean transit time measurements (up to 50%). There was no statistically significant effect on the quantitative cerebral blood volume values. The in vivo results were in agreement with the simulation results, as well as previous literature. This minimizes the bias in patient diagnosis due to the existing errors and artifacts in dynamic susceptibility contrast imaging. Magn Reson Med, 2012.

Quantifying Intracranial Aneurysm Wall Permeability for Risk Assessment Using Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Pathological changes in the intracranial aneurysm wall may lead to increases in its permeability; however the clinical significance of such changes has not been explored. The purpose of this pilot study was to quantify intracranial aneurysm wall permeability (Ktrans, VL) to contrast agent as a measure of aneurysm rupture risk and compare these parameters against other established measures of rupture risk. We hypothesized Ktrans would be associated with intracranial aneurysm rupture risk as defined by various anatomic, imaging, and clinical risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven unruptured intracranial aneurysms in 23 patients were imaged with dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging, and wall permeability parameters (Ktrans, VL) were measured in regions adjacent to the aneurysm wall and along the paired control MCA by 2 blinded observers. Ktrans and VL were evaluated as markers of rupture risk by comparing them against established clinical (symptomatic lesions) and anatomic (size, location, morphology, multiplicity) risk metrics. RESULTS: Interobserver agreement was strong as shown in regression analysis (R2 > 0.84) and intraclass correlation (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.92), indicating that the Ktrans can be reliably assessed clinically. All intracranial aneurysms had a pronounced increase in wall permeability compared with the paired healthy MCA (P < .001). Regression analysis demonstrated a significant trend toward an increased Ktrans with increasing aneurysm size (P < .001). Logistic regression showed that Ktrans also predicted risk in anatomic (P = .02) and combined anatomic/clinical (P = .03) groups independent of size. CONCLUSIONS: We report the first evidence of dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging–modeled contrast permeability in intracranial aneurysms. We found that contrast agent permeability across the aneurysm wall correlated significantly with both aneurysm size and size-independent anatomic risk factors. In addition, Ktrans was a significant and size-independent predictor of morphologically and clinically defined high-risk aneurysms.