Improved coverage in dynamic contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI using interleaved gradient-echo EPI.
An interleaved gradient-echo echo-planar imaging (IGEPI) sequence was modified for and applied to dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging of the heart. Using IGEPI, images with 3.0 x 3.9 mm nominal in-plane resolution are acquired in 100 ms, enabling eight slices per heartbeat for a heart rate of 60 beats/min. The acquisition speed and use of saturation prepulses allows acquisition of short- and long-axis images during the same contrast bolus. IGEPI maintains the acquisition characteristics required for performing a quantitative first-pass perfusion analysis as well as providing improved coverage compared with conventional fast gradient echo.
Ding
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S
Laboratory of Cardiac Energetics, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1061, USA.
Wolff
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SD
Epstein
F H
FH
D003287:Contrast Media; D017352:Echo-Planar Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006321:Heart / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D009200:Myocardial Contraction; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA