Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2025
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
Published on: June 11, 2019
Artifacts at Cardiac MRI: Imaging Appearances and Solutions
Prabhakar Shantha Rajiah1, Baskaran Sundaram1, Ming Yen Ng1
1From the Department of Radiology, Cardiovascular Imaging, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 559905 (P.S.R., P.A.A.); Department of Radiology, Division of Cardiothoracic Imaging, Jefferson University Hospitals, Philadelphia, Pa (B.S.); Department of Radiology, Baylor Health System, Dallas, Tex (P.R.); Department of Diagnostic Radiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR (M.Y.N.); and Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio (M.A.B.).
Abstract:
Cardiac MRI (CMR) is an important imaging modality in the evaluation of cardiovascular diseases. CMR image acquisition is technically challenging, which in some circumstances is associated with artifacts, both general as well as sequence specific. Recognizing imaging artifacts, understanding their causes, and applying effective approaches for artifact mitigation are critical for successful CMR. Balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP), the most common CMR sequence, is associated with band and flow artifacts, which are amplified at 3-T imaging. This can be mitigated by targeted shimming, by short repetition time, or by using a frequency-scout sequence. In patients with cardiac arrhythmias or poor breath hold, the quality of cine imaging can be improved with a non-electrocardiographically gated free-breathing real-time sequence. Motion artifacts on late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) images can be mitigated by using single-shot technique with motion compensation and signal averaging. LGE images are also prone to partial-volume averaging and incomplete myocardial nulling. In phase-contrast imaging, aliasing artifact is seen when the velocity of blood is higher than the encoded velocity. Aliasing can be mitigated by increasing the encoded velocity or using postprocessing software. In first-pass perfusion imaging, a dark rim artifact due to Gibbs ringing can be distinguished from a true perfusion defect based on earlier appearance and fading after a few cardiac cycles. With implanted cardiac devices, artifactual high signal intensity mimicking scar is seen on LGE images, which can be mitigated using a wide-band sequence. With devices and metallic artifacts, traditional gradient-recalled echo sequence has fewer artifacts than bSSFP. CMR at 3 T requires adaptation of sequences to minimize artifacts. ©RSNA, 2025 Supplemental material is available for this article.
Insights
Recognizing and mitigating cardiac MRI artifacts is crucial for accurate cardiovascular disease evaluation. This review details common artifacts, their causes, and strategies for artifact reduction in various CMR sequences, especially at 3-T imaging.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Cardiovascular Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Cardiac MRI (CMR) is essential for diagnosing cardiovascular diseases.
- CMR image acquisition presents technical challenges, often leading to artifacts.
- Understanding and mitigating these artifacts are critical for diagnostic accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review common cardiac MRI artifacts.
- To explain the causes of these artifacts.
- To outline strategies for artifact mitigation in various CMR sequences and at 3-T imaging.
Main Methods:
- Review of common CMR sequences including balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP), cine imaging, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), phase-contrast imaging, and first-pass perfusion imaging.
- Discussion of artifact types such as band, flow, motion, aliasing, Gibbs ringing, and device-related artifacts.
- Exploration of mitigation techniques including targeted shimming, sequence parameter adjustments, motion compensation, signal averaging, and specialized sequences.
Main Results:
- Balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) sequences are prone to band and flow artifacts, exacerbated at 3-T, but manageable with specific techniques.
- Real-time sequences improve cine imaging quality in patients with arrhythmias or poor breath-hold.
- Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) artifacts can be reduced using single-shot techniques, but partial-volume averaging and incomplete nulling remain challenges.
- Phase-contrast imaging requires careful velocity encoding to avoid aliasing.
- Gibbs ringing in perfusion imaging can be differentiated from true defects.
- Device-related artifacts on LGE images can be mitigated with wide-band sequences.
Conclusions:
- Effective artifact recognition and mitigation are paramount for reliable CMR diagnostics.
- Specific strategies exist to address artifacts in various CMR sequences, including those at higher field strengths like 3-T.
- Adaptation of CMR techniques is necessary to overcome imaging challenges and ensure diagnostic quality.
More Related Videos
12:15Tissue Preparation Techniques for Contrast-Enhanced Micro Computed Tomography Imaging of Large Mammalian Cardiac Models with Chronic Disease
Published on: February 8, 2022
08:19Protocol for the Evaluation of MRI Artifacts Caused by Metal Implants to Assess the Suitability of Implants and the Vulnerability of Pulse Sequences
Published on: May 17, 2018
Related Concept Videos
01:21Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI
01:28Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging
01:20Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
01:14Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
01:17Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System I:Echocardiography
Indications: Echocardiography is utilized to diagnose heart failure, valve disorders, and myocardial infarction. It also assesses cardiac structures' size, shape, and motion,...