Optimization of fast cardiac imaging using an echo-train readout

Fast gradient-echo sequences that use an echo-train readout are becoming mo re widely used, particularly for imaging the heart. An important issue for these sequences involves determining the optimal duration for the echo-trai n readout, In normal volunteer scans and theoretically the echo-train reado ut duration was varied from 2.4 to 32.8 msec, Myocardial signal-to-noise ra tio [SNR], myocardiumtag signal difference-to-noise ratio (SDNR), now artif act-to-noise ratio (FNR), and geometric distortion were measured and/or cal culated, Our results showed that to obtain high SNR, SDNR, and data acquisi tion efficiency while minimizing FNR and geometric distortion, the readout duration should be 10-15 msec at 1.5 T. Published 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.(dag ger)