Initial results on in vivo human coronary MR angiography at 7 T.
Seven tesla (T) MR imaging is potentially promising for the morphologic evaluation of coronary arteries because of the increased signal-to-noise ratio compared to lower field strengths, in turn allowing improved spatial resolution, improved temporal resolution, or reduced scanning times. However, there are a large number of technical challenges, including the commercial 7 T systems not being equipped with homogeneous body radiofrequency coils, conservative specific absorption rate constraints, and magnified sample-induced amplitude of radiofrequency field inhomogeneity. In the present study, an initial attempt was made to address these challenges and to implement coronary MR angiography at 7 T. A single-element radiofrequency transmit and receive coil was designed and a 7 T specific imaging protocol was implemented, including significant changes in scout scanning, contrast generation, and navigator geometry compared to current protocols at 3 T. With this methodology, the first human coronary MR images were successfully obtained at 7 T, with both qualitative and quantitative findings being presented.
Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Saskia G C
SG
van Elderen
Saska G C
SG
van Elderen
Maarten J
MJ
Versluis
Andrew G
AG
Webb
Jos J M
JJ
Westenberg
Joost
J
Doornbos
Nadine B
NB
Smith
Albert
A
de Roos
Matthias
M
Stuber
D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity