title: B(0) and B(1)-insensitive uniform T(1)-weighting for quantitative, first-pass myocardial perfusion magnetic resonance imaging.
abstract: Myocardial perfusion can be estimated, in principle, from first-pass MR images by converting the T(1)-weighted signal-time curves to contrast agent concentration-time curves. Typically, T(1) weighting is achieved by saturating the magnetization with a nonselective radiofrequency (RF) pulse prior to the imaging sequence. The accuracy of the perfusion estimate derived from the single-point T(1)-weighted signal depends on the initial residual longitudinal magnetization (RLM) produced by the saturation pulse. In this study we demonstrate that single-shot, echo-planar imaging can be used to show initial RLM resulting from incomplete saturation due to static magnetic field and RF field inhomogeneities in the heart at 1.5 T. Three saturation pulses, single, composite simple, and composite B(1)-insensitive rotation (BIR-4) were evaluated in phantom and cardiac experiments. The RLM image was calculated by normalizing the saturated image by a proton-density-weighted image. Mean RLM produced by the three saturation pulses was significantly different in noncontrast cardiac imaging (RLM(single) = 0.108 +/- 0.078; RLM(composite) = 0.051 +/- 0.052; RLM(BIR-4) = 0.011 +/- 0.009; P < 0.001; n = 20). Using a BIR-4 pulse to perform saturation of magnetization seems promising for improving the effectiveness and uniformity of T(1) weighting for first-pass perfusion imaging.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, New York University, New York, New York 10016, USA. Dan.kim@med.nyu.edu
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Alexandru
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cernicanu
authors.forename: Leon
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Axel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D003326:Coronary Circulation; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D017352:Echo-Planar Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D006321:Heart / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity