In-vivo contrast enhanced T1 mapping for quantitative evaluation of intracranial atherosclerotic plaques

Motivation: T1 mapping has potential to surpass traditional T1w MR images as a quantitative biomarker for intracranial plaques. However T1 mapping's utility in clinical practice remain underexplored. Goal(s): This study attempts to evaluate contrast-enhanced T1 mapping of intracranial plaques using 3D SNAP with golden angle radial k-space sampling (GOAL-SNAP) sequence. Approach: Using the proposed method, this study compared T1 values between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with atherosclerotic plaques in the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Results: Findings reveal significant distinctions between T1 values from symptomatic and asymptomatic patients (804.20±211.06 vs. 1176.45±267.35, p=0.029). Impact: The proposed approach shows promise in advancing our comprehension of intracranial atherosclerosis and its clinical implications, more patients are being recruited for further validation.