title: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging using an open 0.35 T system.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using a 0.35 T magnetic resonance system with open design.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eleven patients were examined in an open MRI system with a field strength of 0.35 T. Myocardial function was assessed with cine true fast imaging with steady-state precession sequences in 2 planes. Perfusion images were acquired with a T1-weighted gradient echo sequence. Late enhancement was performed using an inversion recovery-prepared fast gradient echo technique. Image quality was assessed using a 4-point score in consensus. Signal-noise ratio was measured.
  
  
  RESULTS
  For functional imaging, average score was 1.65 (SD, 0.6). For perfusion imaging, the value was 2.25 (SD, 0.68). For late enhancement, quality score was 2.6 (SD, 0.82). Average value of signal-noise ratio for functional, perfusion, and late enhancement imaging was 50.6 (SD, 16.4), 91.8 (SD, 52.8), and 33.2 (SD, 20.4), respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Open MRI with lower field strength can be used for functional imaging of the heart. For perfusion and viability imaging (late enhancement), higher field strength is needed. Open low-field cardiac MRI may provide a helpful alternative for obese or claustrophobic patients or patients who are difficult to move.
authors.affiliation: Radiological Center, Ev. Jung-Stilling-Krankenhaus Siegen, Wichernstrasse, Siegen, Germany. hans-martin.klein@diakonie-siegen.de
authors.forename: Hans-Martin
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Klein
authors.forename: Werner
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Meyners
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Neeb
authors.forename: Joachim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Labenz
authors.forename: Karl-Heinz
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Truümmler
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016477:Artifacts; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA