Electrocardiograph-independent, "wireless" cardiovascular cine MR imaging.
A new electrocardiograph (ECG)-independent, "wireless" gating technique for cine magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was evaluated in 23 cases of cardiovascular disease; in each case, standard ECG-dependent image loops were available for comparison. The ECG-independent strategy references cine MR imaging data retrospectively to inherent periodic changes in MR signal related to the cardiac cycle. With a "double-section" method, both timing data reflecting such changes and imaging data can be acquired simultaneously. "Artificial R waves" are extracted from the timing data acquired with a projection approach. The ECG-independent image loops were diagnostic in 91% of cases. Their overall image quality was at least equal to that of available ECG-dependent versions in only 39% of cases, but this proportion increased to 53% if cases with suboptimal imaging orientations for monitoring of the motion-dependent signal changes were excluded. Orientation appeared to be the primary technical limitation associated with this ECG-independent technique; however, poor ventricular function also significantly impaired performance. Improvement in the performance of the ECG-independent strategy is anticipated with technical advances.
White
R D
RD
Department of Radiology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195.
Paschal
C B
CB
Clampitt
M E
ME
Spraggins
T A
TA
Lenz
G W
GW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002932:Cineangiography / Q000379:methods*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged