T1-weighted MR image contrast around a cryoablation iceball: a phantom study and initial comparison with in vivo findings.

Purpose: To correlate T1-weighted (T1w) magnetic resonance (MR) image contrast around a cryoablation iceball with temperature in a phantom study and to compare this to its in vivo appearance during MR-guided focal cryoablation of prostate cancer.

Methods: A MR-compatible cryoneedle was inserted into identical gel phantoms (n = 3) on a 1.5 T MR system.