Article

Segmented k-space fast cardiac imaging using an echo-train readout.

Applied Science Laboratory, General Electric Medical Systems, Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA.
Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (impact factor: 2.96). 03/1999; 41(3):609-13. pp.609-13
Source: PubMed

ABSTRACT A segmented k-space fast gradient-echo pulse sequence with an echo-train readout (FGRE-ET) was developed for high-quality cine imaging of the heart in reduced scan times. Using segmented FGRE-ET, cine images of the heart can be acquired in as few as 1-5 heart beats and do not display the geometric distortion and flow-related artifacts typically associated with cardiac echoplanar imaging (EPI). Segmented FGRE-ET was compared with conventional segmented FGRE and with conventional multi-phase EPI in normal volunteers. Segmented FGRE-ET was found to have reduced temporal blurring compared with segmented FGRE for cine imaging in 4 heart beats (P<0.05). Also, segmented FGRE-ET did not display geometric distortion characteristic of conventional EPI (P<0.05). Segmented FGRE-ET may be particularly applicable to functional cardiac stress testing because it allows versatile cine imaging in very short breath-holds.

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Keywords

1-5 heart beats
 
4 heart beats
 
cine images
 
cine imaging
 
conventional EPI
 
conventional multi-phase EPI
 
conventional segmented FGRE
 
echo-train readout
 
EPI
 
FGRE-ET
 
functional cardiac stress testing
 
geometric distortion
 
high-quality cine imaging
 
normal volunteers
 
Segmented FGRE-ET
 
segmented k-space fast gradient-echo pulse sequence
 
temporal blurring
 
versatile cine imaging
 

F H Epstein