Three-dimensional true-FISP imaging of the coronary arteries: improved contrast with T2-preparation

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of a T2-magnetization preparation scheme for improving coronary artery imaging with true fast imaging with steady-state precession (True-FISP). Materials and Methods: Simulations were performed to compare the blood-myocardium signal difference with no T2-preparation to that with various T2-preparation times (24, 40, and 60 msec) using an electrocardiogram (ECG)triggered, segmented True-FISP acquisition. Seven volunteers were imaged to evaluate the effectiveness of T2-preparation for coronary artery delineation using True-FISP and to optimize the T2-preparation time. Results: Simulations showed that T2-preparation improved the signal difference between blood and myocardium over that without T2-preparation. The optimal T2-preparation time was determined to be 40 msec. In volunteer studies, a T2-preparation time of 40 msec provided a significant improvement in contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) between the coronary arteries and myocardium over that without T2-preparation. It also showed a significant improvement in visualizing the distal portions of the coronary arteries. Conclusion: T2-preparation improves coronary artery delineation with True-FISP. (C) 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.