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3D magnetization‐prepared true‐FISP: A new technique for imaging coronary arteries
Author(s) -
Deshpande Vibhas S.,
Shea Steven M.,
Laub Gerhard,
Simonetti Orlando P.,
Finn J. Paul,
Li Debiao
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
magnetic resonance in medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.696
H-Index - 225
eISSN - 1522-2594
pISSN - 0740-3194
DOI - 10.1002/mrm.1219
Subject(s) - heartbeat , coronary arteries , epicardial fat , imaging phantom , nuclear magnetic resonance , magnetization , signal to noise ratio (imaging) , artery , physics , nuclear medicine , materials science , medicine , computer science , cardiology , optics , magnetic field , computer security , adipose tissue , quantum mechanics
The purpose of this work was to develop an ECG‐triggered, segmented 3D true‐FISP (fast imaging with steady‐state precession) technique to improve the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) of breath‐hold coronary artery imaging. The major task was to optimize an appropriate magnetization preparation scheme to permit saturation of the epicardial fat signal. An α/2 preparation pulse was used to speed up the approach to steady‐state following a frequency‐selective fat‐saturation pulse in each heartbeat. The application of dummy cycles was found to reduce the oscillation of the magnetization during data acquisition. The fat saturation and magnetization preparation scheme was validated with simulations and phantom studies. Volunteer studies demonstrated substantially increased SNR (55%) and CNR (178%) for coronary arteries compared to FLASH (fast low‐angle shot) with the same imaging time. In conclusion, true‐FISP is a promising technique for coronary artery imaging. Magn Reson Med 46:494–502, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.