Fast, three-dimensional free-breathing MR imaging of myocardial infarction: a feasibility study.
Imaging delayed hyperenhancement of myocardial infarction is most commonly performed using an inversion recovery (IR) prepared 2D breathhold segmented k-space gradient echo (FGRE) sequence. Since only one slice is acquired per breathhold in this technique, 12-16 successive breathholds are required for complete anatomical coverage of the heart. This prolongs the overall scan time and may be exhausting for patients. A navigator-echo gated, free-breathing, 3D FGRE sequence is proposed that can be used to acquire a single slab covering the entire heart with high spatial resolution. The use of a new variable sampling in time (VAST) acquisition scheme enables the entire 3D volume to be acquired in 1.5-2 min, minimizing artifacts from bulk motion and diaphragmatic drift and contrast variations due to contrast media washout.
Saranathan
Manojkumar
M
Applied Sciences Laboratory, GE Medical Systems, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. manojk@ee.iisc.ernet.in
Rochitte
Carlos E
CE
Foo
Thomas K F
TK
D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012119:Respiration