Improved 3D spiral imaging for coronary MR angiography

Thin-slab 3D spiral imaging has been used for MR angiography to image selec ted coronary arteries. Improved scan efficiency was achieved using a train of multiple spiral interleaves within each single R-R interval acquired in the late diastole. Data acquisition was performed during free breathing, us ing navigator gating. Additionally, prospective slice tracking was applied to further reduce the sensitivity to motion. The application of a T-2-prepa ration pulse and fat suppression increased the contrast between blood and m yocardium. Experiments performed on healthy volunteers are presented to sho w the feasibility of this approach, which allows coronary artery imaging of selected vessels within a few minutes. Magn Reson Med 45: 172-175, 2001. ( C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.