QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT O F MYOCARDIAL PERFUSION USING MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING

Purpose: Purpose of this study was to test a triple slice saturation r ecovery turbo FLASH sequence for myocardial perfusion imaging. In addi tion data-evaluation-tools for qualitative and quantitative perfusion parameters are presented and preliminary tested. Material and Methods: We examined 8 healthy volunteers and 4 patients with myocardial infar ction. Parameters of the saturation recovery turbo FLASH sequence were as follows: TR = 2.5 msec, TE = 1.2 msec, alpha = 8 degrees, 3 slices , thickness 10 mm. For data analysis signal-intensity time curves were calculated pixel by pixel and evaluated for signal-intensity-increase over baseline and signal-intensity-upslope. Images were displayed col or-coded. For quantitative data analysis we used the indicator dilutio n theory and developed a deconvolution algorithm which takes the arter ial input function into account to calculate the myocardial mean trans it time (MTT). Results: The color-coded parametermaps showed uniform c onditions in normal myocardium of volunteers, but reduced signal inten sity-increase over baseline and signal-intensity-upslope for infarcted areas in patients. The MTTs calculated using our algorithm were signi ficantly shorter than those assessed with previous methods and matched better with values derived from literature. Infarcted areas show prol onged MTTs in comparison to normal myocardium. Conclusion: A triple sl ice saturation recovery turbo FLASH sequence is suitable for myocardia l perfusion imaging. Color-coded parametermaps can visualize hypoperfu sed areas. For calculating myocardial MTTs using indicator dilution th erapy a deconvolution algorithm is necessary.