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Abstract #2617

MR Imaging of the Human Biliary Tree Using a Flexible Catheter-Mounted Radio-Frequency Detector Microcoil

Christopher Antony Wadsworth1, Shahid A. Khan1, Simon D. Taylor-Robinson1, Wladyslaw M W Gedroyc2, Munir M. Ahmad3, Richard R. A. Syms3, Ian R. Young3

1Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; 2MRI Unit, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom; 3Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom


Problem: Strictures in the biliary tree are difficult to characterise as benign or malignant. A RF receiver microcoil applied directly to the biliary tree should improve MRI resolution substantially. Method: An innovative flexible catheter mounted microcoil has been developed. This was used as the receiver coil in MR imaging of a resected liver and biliary tree. Results: High resolution images were obtained. Signal to noise ratios and resolution were substantially better with the microcoil than with the standard coil. Conclusion: A prototype RF microcoil receiver can produce high quality images of ex vivo human liver tissue. These images demonstrate interpretable anatomical detail with sub-millimetre resolution and are superior to those obtained using a standard body coil.