High resolution-dynamic characterization of cardiac masses: radio-frequency spoiled 3D gradient echo sequence

Volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) sequence is a radio-frequency-spoiled gradient echo sequence that is mostly used in the evaluation of soft tissues, allows dynamic high-resolution images to be taken in 30 seconds of breath-holding time in MRI, and is used to create 3D images. In this study, we aimed to determine the detectability of cardiac masses and thrombi and their differentiation from the blood pool with the T1 VIBE imaging method.

Precontrast, early and late postcontrast VIBE images were evaluated. Lesion contours were drawn with a free-hand regìon of ìnterest (ROI) in the phase in which the lesion was better depicted. All ROIs were placed in the phase where the lesion appeared best and then copied to other phases.

Sìgnal to noìse ratìo (SNR) was calculated as SI/SD of background intensity, CNR was calculated as SNR thrombus-SNR myocardium and SNR thrombus-SNR blood pool. SNR and CNR values of thrombus, blood pool, and myocardium measured at maps and contrast-enhanced images were compared with each other.

There are many sequences used routinely to detect cardiac masses and thrombi. Many of these techniques require long acquisition time. With the VIBE sequence, precontrast, arterial, and venous images of the lesion can be obtained quickly. Although the SNR and CNR values obtained with VIBE images are lower than those with routine post-contrast images, our study can be considered a preliminary study for future studies to evaluate dynamic images.

For our knowledge, this is the first paper written on the visual assessment of cardiac masses on VIBE images.