3D magnetization-prepared true-FISP: A new technique for imaging coronary arteries

The purpose of this work was to develop an ECG-triggered, segmented 3D true -FISP (fast imaging with steady-state precession) technique to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of breath-hol d coronary artery imaging. The major task was to optimize an appropriate ma gnetization preparation scheme to permit saturation of the epicardial fat s ignal. An alpha /2 preparation pulse was used to speed up the approach to s teady-state following a frequency-selective fat-saturation pulse in each he artbeat. The application of dummy cycles was found to reduce the oscillatio n of the magnetization during data acquisition. The fat saturation and magn etization preparation scheme was validated with simulations and phantom stu dies. Volunteer studies demonstrated substantially increased SNR (55%) and CNR (178%) for coronary arteries compared to FLASH (fast low-angle shot) wi th the same imaging time. In conclusion, true-FISP is a promising technique for coronary artery imaging. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.