Premium
3D myocardial T 1 mapping at 3T using variable flip angle method: Pilot study
Author(s) -
Clique Hélène,
Cheng HaiLing Margaret,
Marie PierreYves,
Felblinger Jacques,
Beaumont Marine
Publication year - 2014
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.24688
Subject(s) - flip angle , flip , variable (mathematics) , nuclear magnetic resonance , computer science , physics , mathematics , chemistry , medicine , magnetic resonance imaging , mathematical analysis , radiology , apoptosis , biochemistry
Purpose Myocardial T 1 mapping is an emerging technique that could improve cardiovascular magnetic resonance diagnostic accuracy. In this study, a variable flip angle approach with B 1 correction is proposed at 3T on the myocardium, employing standard 3D spoiled fast gradient echo and echo planar imaging sequences. Methods The method was tested on phantoms to determine the set of standard 3D spoiled fast gradient echo angles adapted to myocardial T 1 measurements and was compared to the inversion‐recovery spin‐echo reference T 1 method. Seven volunteers underwent magnetic imaging resonance to acquire myocardial T 1 maps and T 1 values of the human heart. Results This original method demonstrated good reproducibility in phantoms and a significant correlation between variable flip angle T 1 values and reference inversion‐recovery spin‐echo T 1 values. It yielded myocardial T 1 values consistent with expected T 1 and an increasing homogenization of myocardial segments owing to B 1 correction. The mean myocardial T 1 value was 1341 ± 42 ms. Conclusion Myocardial 3D T 1 mapping using the variable flip angle approach can potentially be useful for evaluating fibrosis on the entire myocardium using a standard clinical sequence. Magn Reson Med 71:823–829, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.