Optimisation and Image Quality Assessment of a Radially Acquired Quiescent Interval Single Shot (QISS) Technique to Perform Non-Contrast Renal Magnetic Resonance Angiography

Abstract

Purpose: A radially acquired Fast Low Angle Shot (FLASH) Quiescent Interval Single Shot (QISS) technique has been optimised for renal Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA). A clinical assessment of diagnostic image quality has been undertaken to compare with current clinical renal MRA techniques. Methodology: Optimisation of a radial FLASH QISS technique was conducted using volunteer imaging and a custom-built flow phantom. The volunteer imaging allowed for optimisation of the technique whilst the flow phantom provided quantitative measurements of image quality. A total of twenty-nine patients were scanned using the radial FLASH QISS technique and compared with currently used renal MRA techniques. The images were scored by four consultant radiologists using a Likert scoring matrix for both image quality metrics and diagnostic image quality. Results: Volunteers were used to optimise the radial FLASH QISS technique in vivo, and the custom built flow phantom provided in vitro assessments. The optimised radial FLASH QISS sequence demonstrated an improved image quality and was used for the assessment of patients. Patient assessment demonstrated that the radial FLASH QISS proved diagnostic for assessing the renal arteries. Conclusions: Optimisation was performed using volunteers and a custom-built flow phantom. The optimised radial FLASH QISS sequence demonstrated its ability to provide diagnostic information. The optimised technique allowed for non-gated, non-contrast renal MRA to be performed. This technique could improve the access of renal MRA for patients with poor renal function, irregular respiratory patterns and cardiac arrythmias.

Date of Award	28 Apr 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Michael Hutton (Main Supervisor)