High resolution in-vivo DT-CMR using an interleaved variable density spiral STEAM sequence

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Diffusion Tensor Imaging
• Medical Physics

Background:

• Diffusion tensor cardiovascular magnetic resonance (DT-CMR) imaging is crucial for assessing cardiac tissue microstructure.
• Current DT-CMR techniques are limited by spatial resolution, hindering detailed analysis.
• Improving spatial resolution is essential for advanced cardiac diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate high-resolution DT-CMR acquisition.
• To evaluate a segmented variable density spiral sequence with motion, off-resonance, and T2* correction.
• To compare high-resolution spiral DT-CMR with standard-resolution techniques.

Main Methods:

• A segmented variable density spiral sequence was developed for DT-CMR.
• Acquisitions were performed in 10 healthy volunteers at peak systole and diastasis.
• Motion, off-resonance, and T2* blurring were corrected using spiral k-space data and STEAM sequences.

Main Results:

• The high-resolution spiral sequence yielded DT-CMR results comparable to standard-resolution sequences.
• Motion and off-resonance corrections improved data quality and sharpness.
• High-resolution echo-planar imaging (EPI) sequences were insufficient for DT-CMR.

Conclusions:

• In vivo high-resolution DT-CMR (1.8 × 1.8 mm²) was successfully demonstrated using a segmented spiral STEAM sequence.
• Motion-induced phase and off-resonance corrections are critical for high-resolution spiral DT-CMR.
• Segmented variable density spiral STEAM is optimal for high-resolution DT-CMR data acquisition.