Cardiac functional magnetic resonance imaging at 7T: Image quality optimization and ultra-high field capabilities. World J Radiol 2020 Oct 28;12(10):231-246
Date
11/27/2020Pubmed ID
33240463Pubmed Central ID
PMC7653183DOI
10.4329/wjr.v12.i10.231Abstract
BACKGROUND: 7T cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) introduces several advantages, as well as some limitations, compared to lower-field imaging. The capabilities of ultra-high field (UHF) MRI have not been fully exploited in cardiac functional imaging.
AIM: To optimize 7T cardiac MRI functional imaging without the need for conducting B1 shimming or subject-specific tuning, which improves scan efficiency. In this study, we provide results from phantom and in vivo scans using a multi-channel transceiver modular coil.
METHODS: We investigated the effects of adding a dielectric pad at different locations next to the imaged region of interest on improving image quality in subjects with different body habitus. We also investigated the effects of adjusting the imaging flip angle in cine and tagging sequences on improving image quality, B1 field homogeneity, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), blood-myocardium contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and tagging persistence throughout the cardiac cycle.
RESULTS: The results showed the capability of achieving improved image quality with high spatial resolution (0.75 mm × 0.75 mm × 2 mm), high temporal resolution (20 ms), and increased tagging persistence (for up to 1200 ms cardiac cycle duration) at 7T cardiac MRI after adjusting scan set-up and imaging parameters. Adjusting the imaging flip angle was essential for achieving optimal SNR and myocardium-to-blood CNR. Placing a dielectric pad at the anterior left position of the chest resulted in improved B1 homogeneity compared to other positions, especially in subjects with small chest size.
CONCLUSION: Improved regional and global cardiac functional imaging can be achieved at 7T MRI through simple scan set-up adjustment and imaging parameter optimization, which would allow for more streamlined and efficient UHF cardiac MRI.
Author List
Ibrahim EH, Arpinar VE, Muftuler LT, Stojanovska J, Nencka AS, Koch KMAuthors
Kevin M. Koch PhD Adjunct Professor in the Radiology department at Medical College of WisconsinLutfi Tugan Muftuler PhD Professor in the Neurosurgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Andrew S. Nencka PhD Center Director, Professor in the Radiology department at Medical College of Wisconsin
