GRASP-MRA: Ultra-high temporal resolution 3D-cine MRI of pulsatile aneurysmal motion at 7T

Motivation: The mortality and disability rates following cerebral aneurysm rupture remain significantly high. Recently, pulsation of aneurysms has been suggested as a novel risk factor of rupture. Goal(s): To harness the ultra-high temporal resolution and signal-to-noise ratio of the modified GRASP technique with 7T MRI to visualize pulsatile motions of cerebral aneurysms. Approach: A pulsatile aneurysm phantom and aneurysm patient were scanned using a 3D-cine MRI technique, aiming to capture dynamic aneurysmal wall movements at high spatial and ultra-high temporal resolution. Results: The new imaging technique successfully depicted pulsatile movements in the aneurysm phantom and subject, suggesting a novel predictor for aneurysm rupture. Impact: This study presents a 3D-cine MRI method at 7T, capturing aneurysm pulsations with ultra-high frame rates in the tens of milliseconds range, promising to refine rupture risk assessments and potentially reducing adverse outcomes in cerebral aneurysm management.