Magnetic Resonance Elastography in Patients With Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Ohio State University
Summary
The main objective of this study is to utilize Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) to determine tissue stiffness of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). For patients with AAA, MRE is a more sensitive and superior method of determining the risk for rupture of AAA based on stiffness estimates when compared to the current, crude method of assessing risk based on measurement of the diameter of the aneurysm. The investigators will also validate the stiffness estimates against gold standard i.e. mechanical testing and histopathology only AAA patients undergoing AAA surgery.
Description
Currently, MRE is a clinical tool used to assess hepatic fibrosis at many institutions. MRE is superior to invasive techniques (i.e. biopsies) and mechanical testing in that it is noninvasive and can be performed in vivo under physiologic conditions. MRE could make diagnosing stiffness widely available and could revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of numerous other diseases affecting stiffness of soft tissues. Aortic wall "stiffness" is a fundamental biomechanical parameter that reflects the structural integrity of normal and aneurysmal aortic tissue. AAAs enlarge over time leading to s…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 20+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Must be able to lie flat on their back in the scanner for up to 60 minutes * Must be able to hold breath for up to 15 seconds Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who are claustrophobic * Patients who are pregnant * Patients with any unapproved, non-MRI save metal/devices in or on their body
Interventions
- DeviceResoundant Driver System
This device is used to generate vibrations at the area of interest. The device has an active driver, a loud speaker sitting outside the scanner area, and a passive driver, which is shaped like a silicone paddle, which is secured with velcro straps to the area being imaged. Sound waves from the active driver travel through a tube attached to the passive driver and generate vibrations, images of which are captured by the MR scanner.
Location
- The Ohio State University Medical CenterColumbus, Ohio