title: Free breathing 2D multi-slice real-time gradient-echo cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging: impact on left ventricular function measurements compared with standard multi-breath hold 2D steady-state free precession imaging.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Multi-breath hold cine-imaging (standard-2D-SSFP) is the standard technique for ventricular function assessment. However, image acquisition is time-consuming and breath holding is required. Ultrafast 2D real-time imaging (2D real time-SSFP) does not require breath holding, but spatial resolution is sacrificed. The accuracy of 2D real time-SSFP free-breathing ventricular function assessment by using an automated contour detection programme has not been systematically studied.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-eight subjects (14 with impaired LV function) were investigated by 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging. Left ventricular short-axis images were acquired with multi-breath hold standard 2D-SSFP and free-breathing 2D real time-SSFP. LV-volumes (EDV, ESV), EF, and mass were determined using a semi-automated contour detection programme. EDV, ESV, EF, and mass were not significantly different between real time- and standard 2D-SSFP in subjects (absolute differences: EDV 3.2 +/- 0.7 mL, ESV 3.0 +/- 0.3 mL, EF 1.9 +/- 0.4%, mass 0.8 +/- 0.4 g; P > or = 0.78) and patients (absolute differences: EDV= 3.0 +/- 0.8 mL, ESV 3.3 +/- 1.0 mL, EF 0.9 +/- 0.5%, mass 0.9 +/- 0.5 g; P > or = 0.73). Automated contour detection required extensive manual correction for real-time imaging (< or = 86%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Differences in LV function measurements between real-time and standard 2D-SSFP are small, and not significant. Real-time SSFP may be used for rapid LV function assessment when examination time is limited.
authors: Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology and Vascular Medicine, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany. burkhard.sievers@med.uni-duesseldorf.de
authors: Burkhard
authors: B
authors: Sievers
authors: Sebastian
authors: S
authors: Schrader
authors: Peter
authors: P
authors: Hunold
authors: Joerg
authors: J
authors: Barkhausen
authors: Raimund
authors: R
authors: Erbel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D019028:Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cine / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left