Ultrahigh-Resolution 0.11x0.11mm MR Imaging of the Intracranial Atherosclerotic Vessel Wall at 7.0 Tesla

Anja G. van der Kolk¹, Jaco J.M. Zwanenburg¹, Wim G.M. Spliet², Fredy Visser¹, ³, Peter R. Luijten¹, Jeroen Hendrikse¹

Histopathological studies form the basis of our understanding of pathogenesis of atherosclerotic disease. However, they require ex vivo material, obtained by invasive techniques. Using ultrahigh-field 7T MRI, we might have the spatial resolution and high tissue contrast necessary to noninvasively image intracranial atherosclerosis. In this study, 5 Circle-of-Willis specimens were scanned at 7T with a protocol consisting of a 0.11x0.11mm in-plane resolution T₁-, T₂-, T₂*- and PD-weighted sequence, and compared to histological cuts. On MR, several distinct areas could be identified within the atherosclerotic plaques, suggesting a future role of high-resolution 7T MRI for noninvasive assessment of intracranial atherosclerosis.