Three-dimensional true-FISP imaging of the coronary arteries: improved contrast with T2-preparation.
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.
Shea
Steven M
SM
Department of Radiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Deshpande
Vibhas S
VS
Chung
Yiu-Cho
YC
Li
Debiao
D
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