title: Three-dimensional true-FISP imaging of the coronary arteries: improved contrast with T2-preparation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effectiveness of a T2-magnetization preparation scheme for improving coronary artery imaging with true fast imaging with steady-state precession (True-FISP).
  
  
  METHODS
  Simulations were performed to compare the blood-myocardium signal difference with no T2-preparation to that with various T2-preparation times (24, 40, and 60 msec) using an electrocardiogram (ECG)-triggered, segmented True-FISP acquisition. Seven volunteers were imaged to evaluate the effectiveness of T2-preparation for coronary artery delineation using True- FISP and to optimize the T2-preparation time.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Simulations showed that T2-preparation improved the signal difference between blood and myocardium over that without T2-preparation. The optimal T2- preparation time was determined to be 40 msec. In volunteer studies, a T2- preparation time of 40 msec provided a significant improvement in contrast- to-noise ratio (CNR) between the coronary arteries and myocardium over that without T2-preparation. It also showed a significant improvement in visualizing the distal portions of the coronary arteries.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  T2-preparation improves coronary artery delineation with True-FISP.
authors: Department of Radiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
authors: Steven M
authors: SM
authors: Shea
authors: Vibhas S
authors: VS
authors: Deshpande
authors: Yiu-Cho
authors: YC
authors: Chung
authors: Debiao
authors: D
authors: Li
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male