Normal myocardial T1, T2 mapping and extracellular volume at 1.5 T in adult Thai population

Parametric mapping is a pivotal technique in diagnostic and prognostic cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). However, data pertinent to mapping parameters in healthy Asian populations, particularly with GE scanners, are limited.

To establish normal reference values for T1, T2, and ECV using 1.5-T GE CMR in a healthy Thai population.

Healthy volunteers undergoing orthopedic MRI with gadolinium injection were recruited. Health status was confirmed through medical history, ECG, laboratory investigations, and echocardiography. CMR scans included MOLLI for T1 mapping, MEFSE for T2 mapping, and ECV calculation. Inter- and intra-observer variation were assessed.

Fifty-one participants were included, 18 (35.29%) were males with a mean age of 41.49 ± 15.96 years. Mean global native T1, post-contrast T1, T2, and ECV were 1037.19 ± 51.84 ms, 456.76 ± 43.98 ms, 49.93 ± 4.67 ms, and 27.06 ± 4.50%, respectively. No significant differences were observed between sexes or age group (p > 0.05). Reproducibility was classed as good to excellent (ICC ≥ 0.75) CONCLUSIONS: Reference values for T1, T2, post-contrast T1, and ECV mapping in a healthy Thai population using a 1.5-T GE scanner, were established. These findings provide critical reference data for cardiac MR examinations.