Abstract #0653

Chung Y, Menzel M, Raman S, Simonetti O

In the carotids, plaque identification is typically performed using 2D TSE since scan time for 3D TSE is long. For instance, high resolution T1 weighted 3D TSE for a 24mm slab requires 6 minutes. 3D dark blood TrueFISP is encouraging but optimal blood suppression limits slab thickness. We propose here a new approach to 3D, T2 weighted high-resolution dark blood TSE technique capable of imaging a 180mm slab along the length of the carotids in about 6 minutes. We shall show here the techniques potential in vessel wall imaging, dark blood MRA, localization, and plaque characterization at the carotids.