Tracking local volume 3D-echo-planar coronary artery imaging

Aiming for robust high-resolution free respiration coronary artery imaging, localized tracking volume selective 3D-EPI at spatial resolution 1.25 x 1. 25 x 3 mm and temporal resolution 65 ms was evaluated in 14 normal subjects . Subject-specific motion tracking factors were measured between diaphragm navigator and coronary artery in S-1 and A-P directions. Imaging was repeat ed with and without tracking, accepting 128 cardiac cycles over a 20-mm ran ge from free breathing. Reference images with minimal respiratory motion (5 -mm rang use LED-guided multiple breathholds. Depending on accurate mo tion measurement, coronary arteries were imaged with tracking, in a 20-mm range of free breathing, with increased scan efficiency but without significant loss of image quality compared to multiple breathhold imaging. (C) 2001 Wil ey-Liss, Inc.