SIR Map

Colour images for carotid plaque analysis

Investigate plaque morphology for cardiovascular risk assessment and therapy

Our unique SIR Map technology depicts hemorrhagic, lipid or fibrotic tissue characteristics of a lesion in an easy-to-read colour map. And because it’s based on RADAR motion artefact technology for T1-weighted Spin Echo sequences, the results are barely influenced by patient movements like heartbeat or blood flow.

You’ll benefit from:

  • Non-invasive, non-gated, uncomplicated & fast examinations.
  • Objective and reliable results, independent of both patient and technical requirements.
  • Qualitative and quantitative data for analysis.
  • A colour map of plaque’s morphology for targeted treatment decisions.
  • Therapy monitoring for carotid plaque response.

Gain valuable insights into plaque components for a fast, confident decision about treatment - and non-invasive monitoring of the disease.

 

 

 

Differentiate between normal and affected tissue using a colour map

Now you can benefit from a colour map of the Signal Intensity Ratio (SIR) by normalising the ROI signal strength to a reference point in the muscle. The different colours depict various plaque characteristics: hemorrhagic, lipid or fibrotic – enabling you to make better-informed treatment decisions.

 

 

 

True T1 contrast scans with set TR and reduced flow artefacts

T1 contrast often weakens by the black blood method with double IR which is commonly used with biological signal gating. This non-gated RADAR-SE technique maintains a constant and short TR without influence from pulsation; and it enables imaging with a high T1 contrast that identifies plaque morphology. For example, a low signal indicates calcification; a middle one fibre or fat; and a high one bleeding.

Clinical Gallery

Neurovascular MRI scan showing Signal Intensity Ratio (SIR) in a colour map based on benchmarking of the lesion muscle tissue – thus delivering the potential for qualitative evaluation.
Neurovascular MRI scan of bilateral internal carotid artery stenosis. The SIR Map displays the differences in hemorrhagic, lipid and fibrotic plaque.
Neurovascular MRI scan of right carotid artery stenosis. The SIR Map was used to compare healthy and affected areas; as well as pre-and-post operation.
MRI study of symptomatic right carotid artery stenosis. US and MRI images are used for comparison. The SIR Map was used to monitor treatment success.
MRI study of asymptomatic right carotid artery stenosis with US and MRI images used for comparison. The SIR Map was used to monitor treatment success.
Non-gating SIR Map plaque MRI using RADAR. Appropriate TR and TE based T1 scan delivers stable contrast for evaluating characteristics of plaques with the SIR Map.
RADAR SE T1 sequences require no gating, and TR can be held constant and relatively short. This results in better T1 contrast and no flow artefact, delivering the base for the SIR Map.
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