Coronary artery imaging: 3D segmented k-space data acquisition with multiple breath-holds and real-time slab following.
The purpose of this work was to develop a multiple-breath-hold (BH) imaging method for coronary arteries in which a segment of k-space is acquired in each BH. The goal was to increase the resolution, or the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and coverage, of three-dimensional-(3D)-BH volume-targeted scanning (VCATS). To correct for slab position differences, a real-time slab following technique using navigator echoes for motion detection was used. Sixteen normal volunteers were imaged to compare the method with a single-BH scan. Results showed that higher resolution, or larger coverage and higher SNR, were achieved by the multiple-BH method without respiratory motion artifacts. In conclusion, 3D segmented k-space data acquisition with multiple-BHs and real-time slab following is a promising approach for extending the capabilities of VCATS further.
Shea
S M
SM
Department of Radiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.
Kroeker
R M
RM
Deshpande
V
V
Laub
G
G
Zheng
J
J
Finn
J P
JP
Li
D
D
D000328:Adult; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000175:diagnosis; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D012016:Reference Values