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Published on: February 18, 2020
Catheter-directed contrast-enhanced coronary MR angiography in swine using magnetization-prepared True-FISP
Jordin D Green1, Reed A Omary, Brian E Schirf
1Department of Radiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Abstract:
Contrast-enhanced (CE) coronary magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) following intraarterial (IA) injection of contrast agent was compared using two sequences in swine: magnetization-prepared fast imaging with steady-state precession (True-FISP), and magnetization-prepared fast low-angle shot (FLASH). Thick-slice projection images were acquired with submillimeter in-plane spatial resolution (0.9 x 0.8 mm(2)). The magnetization-preparation scheme provided a clear delineation of the major coronary arteries with excellent background suppression. The True-FISP acquisition resulted in an increase in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) by approximately a factor of 2 over FLASH (P < 0.05). Magnetization-prepared True-FISP is a promising technique for catheter-directed CE thick-slice projection coronary MRA.
Insights
Magnetization-prepared True-FISP significantly improves contrast-enhanced coronary magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in swine. This technique offers a twofold increase in signal and contrast-to-noise ratios compared to FLASH imaging.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Coronary artery imaging is crucial for diagnosing cardiovascular diseases.
- Contrast-enhanced (CE) coronary magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) offers a non-invasive imaging option.
- Optimizing MRA sequences is essential for improving image quality and diagnostic accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of two contrast-enhanced MRA sequences for coronary angiography in swine.
- To evaluate magnetization-prepared fast imaging with steady-state precession (True-FISP) against magnetization-prepared fast low-angle shot (FLASH).
- To assess image quality metrics including signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR).
Main Methods:
- Utilized intraarterial contrast agent injection in swine models.
- Acquired thick-slice projection images with submillimeter in-plane resolution (0.9 x 0.8 mm²).
- Employed magnetization preparation schemes with both True-FISP and FLASH sequences.
Main Results:
- Magnetization preparation provided clear delineation of coronary arteries with excellent background suppression.
- True-FISP demonstrated a significant (P < 0.05) twofold increase in SNR and CNR compared to FLASH.
- Submillimeter spatial resolution was achieved for detailed coronary visualization.
Conclusions:
- Magnetization-prepared True-FISP is a highly promising technique for catheter-directed CE thick-slice projection coronary MRA.
- True-FISP offers superior image quality for coronary angiography compared to FLASH.
- This advancement could enhance the diagnostic capabilities of MRA in cardiovascular imaging.
