Improved accuracy and precision with three-parameter simultaneous myocardial T₁ and T₂ mapping using multiparametric...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Quantitative Myocardial Mapping
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Accurate cardiac T1 and T2 mapping are crucial for diagnosing and monitoring various cardiovascular diseases.
• Existing techniques often require long acquisition times or complex multi-sequence protocols, limiting clinical feasibility.
• Developing faster, more precise methods for cardiac T1 and T2 quantification is an ongoing area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel three-parameter model for multiparametric SAturation-recovery single-SHot Acquisition (mSASHA).
• To achieve high-accuracy cardiac T1 and T2 mapping within a single breath-hold period.
• To assess the precision and accuracy of the mSASHA technique compared to established methods.

Main Methods:

• The mSASHA technique utilizes nine images with variable saturation recovery and T2 preparation, acquired in 11 heartbeats.
• T1 and T2 values were calculated using a three-parameter model and validated in simulations and phantom studies at 3T.
• Comparisons were made against a four-parameter joint T1-T2 technique, MOLLI, SASHA, and T2-prepared balanced SSFP in 10 volunteers.

Main Results:

• Phantom studies demonstrated high accuracy for mSASHA T1 (-0.2 ± 0.3%) and T2 (-2.4 ± 1.3%) compared to spin echo.
• mSASHA exhibited T1 precision similar to MOLLI and T2 precision comparable to T2-prepared balanced SSFP in phantoms.
• In vivo, myocardial mSASHA T1 and T2 values were consistent with SASHA and T2-prepared balanced SSFP, respectively, with similar coefficients of variation.

Conclusions:

• The three-parameter mSASHA technique provides high-accuracy cardiac T1 and T2 quantification in a single breath-hold.
• mSASHA demonstrates precision comparable to established techniques like MOLLI and T2-prepared balanced SSFP.
• Further research is needed to establish normative values and confirm clinical utility in patient populations.