Purpose: To evaluate the use of three-dimensional (3D) gradient-echo (GRE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for percutaneous MR-guided catheter placement for laser therapy of liver metastases.
Materials and methods: Thirty-four patients were included. A total of 122 MR-guided percutaneous punctures of 67 liver metastases were performed on a 1.5T scanner (Symphony and Sonata; Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) using a 5.5F microcatheter system and titanium needle (Monocath; MeoMedical, Augsburg, Germany). In 88 of 122 procedures, a 2D fast low-angle shot (FLASH) T1-weighted GRE breath-hold sequence was acquired in the axial plane and if necessary in a second plane. Sequences were acquired and reviewed using the panel in the control room. In 34 of 122 procedures a 3D FLASH T1-weighted fat-saturated GRE (volume-interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE)) sequence was acquired in the axial plane only. Acquisition and 3D review were controlled under sterile conditions with a panel inside the examination room (Syngo; Siemens).
Results: The 3D FLASH sequence significantly decreased the mean number of acquisitions needed to place the microcatheter with the titanium needle in the metastasis compared to interventions with the 2D FLASH sequence (2.9 +/- 0.83 vs. 4.4 +/- 1.63). With 2D FLASH imaging, acquisition in a second plane was necessary in 78 instances (20% of acquired 2D sequences) to ensure adequate positioning of the device during the procedure. The artifact caused by the titanium needle was smaller with the 3D FLASH sequence. The conspicuity of liver metastases and morphology (liver edge and vessels) was acceptable with both sequences. The 3D FLASH sequence improved differentiation when two to four titanium needles were inserted, due to smaller susceptibility artifacts caused by the needles.
Conclusion: 3D GRE imaging with the capability to perform multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) shortens the procedure by reducing the number of sequences needed. Improved visibility of the titanium needles allows more precise insertion of multiple needles into the metastasis.
(c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.