Steady-state free precession MR imaging: improved myocardial tag persistence and signal-to-noise ratio for analysis of myocardial motion.
Tagging with balanced steady-state free-precession (SSFP) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging by using a steady-state storage scheme for myocardial motion analysis was evaluated. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), blood-tissue contrast, and tag persistence in volunteers and phantoms showed improved performance of SSFP imaging with tagging compared with that of radiofrequency spoiled gradient-echo (SPGR) MR imaging with tagging. Choice of flip angle with SSFP imaging involved a trade-off among SNR, blood-tissue contrast, and tag persistence. Increased SNR and tag persistence can be achieved simultaneously with SSFP imaging compared with SPGR tagging methods. As a result, the proposed technique may be useful for analysis of diastolic ventricular function.
Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Lucas MRI/S Center, 1201 Welch Rd, Rm P 284, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA. markl@s-word.stanford.edu
Michael
M
Markl
Scott B
SB
Reeder
Frandics P
FP
Chan
Marcus T
MT
Alley
Robert J
RJ
Herfkens
Norbert J
NJ
Pelc
D000328:Adult; D016477:Artifacts; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D019028:Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cine / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D009200:Myocardial Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D012016:Reference Values; D013599:Systole / Q000502:physiology