Evaluation of Accelerated Sampling Techniques for Vessel Wall Imaging

The purpose of this study is to compare and evaluate a faster MR image that has been optimized to look at participants blood vessel walls. This faster MR image technique will image participants blood vessel walls in a shorter period of time and will be compared to the routine MR images that is typically used to image participants blood vessel walls.

The purpose of testing these faster images is to compare the image quality with longer conventional images. The goal is to ensure the investigators maintain high image quality over a shorter period of time. These faster images over a shorter period of time have the advantage of fewer motion-related artifacts.

The hypothesis of this research study is that the compressed sensing (fast acquisition technique) based acquisitions will considerably reduce the scan time and will maintain the diagnostic image quality necessary for the assessment of participants blood vessel walls. Thus, the information gained from this study will help us to determine the efficacy of the accelerated protocols for vessel wall imaging.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients 18 years of age and scheduled to undergo clinical vessel wall MR imaging exams as part of their standard of care.

Exclusion criteria

• Any person under the age of 18
• Presence of artifact-producing intracranial devices (aneurysm clips/coils, ventricular drains, craniectomy mesh, etc.)
• Any person with contraindications to MRI (medical instability, non-MRI compatible implanted devices, retained metallic foreign bodies, claustrophobia)
• Large space-occupying lesions (50 mL) or substantial mass effect (herniation, 5mm midline shift) on preceding brain imaging,
• Imminently life-threatening co-morbid conditions
• A history of premorbid disabling neurological or psychiatric disease, current substance abuse or remote substance abuse with permanent organic sequelae
• Pregnancy or lactation