Renal Sympathetic Denervation: Does Reduction of Left Ventricular Mass Improve Functional Myocardial Parameters? A Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVES: Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy in resistant hypertensive patients is associated with a reduced intramyocardial perfusion. Renal sympathetic denervation (RDN) has been shown to reduce blood pressure (BP) and sympathetic tone. We aimed to prospectively investigate the effect of RDN on functional myocardial parameters and myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR) using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) in patients with resistant hypertension. METHODS: A total of 15 resistant hypertensive patients (11 male individuals, mean age 62±13 y) were included. Adenosine stress-induced cMRI was performed at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months after RDN. RDN was performed using a single soft-tip radiofrequency catheter (Symplicity). cMRI semiquantitative perfusion analysis was performed using the upslope of myocardial signal enhancement to derive the myocardial perfusion reserve index. RESULTS: Both systolic-BP and diastolic-BP significantly decreased from 148±14 to 133±14 mm Hg and 87±14 to 80±10 mm Hg, respectively (P<0.05). LV septal wall thickness was significantly reduced (P<0.001). LV ejection fraction and MPR lacked significant trends 12 months after RDN. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study, RDN significantly reduced LV mass and LV septal wall thickness, as diagnosed by cMRI, with no significant changes in MPR. cMRI may help in diagnosing clinically relevant changes of functional myocardial parameters after interventional therapy in resistant hypertensive patients.

Dynamic myocardial CT perfusion imaging for evaluation of myocardial ischemia as determined by MR imaging.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of computed tomography (CT)-based dynamic myocardial perfusion imaging for the assessment of myocardial ischemia and infarction compared with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). BACKGROUND: Sequential myocardial CT perfusion imaging has emerged as a novel imaging technique for the assessment of myocardial hypoperfusion. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled subjects with known coronary artery disease who underwent adenosine-mediated stress dynamic dual-source CT (100 kV, 320 mAs/rot) and CMR (3-T). Estimated myocardial blood flow (eMBF) and estimated myocardial blood volume (eMBV) were derived from CT images, using a model-based parametric deconvolution technique. The values were independently related to perfusion defects (ischemic and/or infarcted myocardial segments) as visually assessed during rest/stress and late gadolinium enhancement CMR. Conventional measures of diagnostic accuracy and differences in eMBF/eMBV were determined. RESULTS: Of 38 enrolled subjects, 31 (mean age 70.4 ± 9.3 years; 77% men) completed both CT and CMR protocols. The prevalence of ischemic and infarcted myocardial segments detected by CMR was moderate (11.6%, n = 56 and 12.6%, n = 61, respectively, of 484 analyzed segments, with 8.4% being transmural). The diagnostic accuracy of CT for the detection of any perfusion defect was good (eMBF threshold, 88 ml/mg/min; sensitivity, 77.8% [95% confidence interval (CI): 69% to 85%]; negative predictive value, 91.3% [95% CI: 86% to 94%]) with moderate positive predictive value (50.6% [95% CI: 43% to 58%] and specificity (75.41% [95% CI: 70% to 79%]). Higher diagnostic accuracy was observed for transmural perfusion defects (sensitivity 87.8%; 95% CI: 74% to 96%) and infarcted segments (sensitivity 85.3%; 95% CI: 74% to 93%). Although eMBF in high-quality examinations was lower but not different between ischemic and infarcted segments (72.3 ± 18.7 ml/100 ml/min vs. 73.1 ± 31.9 ml/100 ml/min, respectively, p > 0.05), eMBV was significantly lower in infarcted segments compared with ischemic segments (11.3 ± 3.3 ml/100 ml vs. 18.4 ± 2.8 ml/100 ml, respectively; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with CMR, dynamic stress CT provides good diagnostic accuracy for the detection of myocardial perfusion defects and may differentiate ischemic and infarcted myocardium.

High-resolution cine MRI with TGRAPPA for fast assessment of left ventricular function at 3 Tesla.

PURPOSE: To implement and evaluate the accuracy of multislice dual-breath hold cine MR for analysis of global systolic and diastolic left ventricular function at 3T. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 25 patients referred to cardiac MR underwent cine imaging at 3T (MAGNETOM Verio) using prospective triggered SSFP (TR 3.1 ms; TE 1.4 ms; FA 60°). Analysis of LV function was performed using a standard non-accelerated single-slice approach (STD) with multiple breath-holds and an accelerated multi-slice technique (TGRAPPA; R=4) encompassing the ventricles with 5 slices/breath-hold. Parameters of spatial and temporal resolution were kept identical (pixel: 1.9 × 2.5 mm(2); temporal resolution: 47 ms). Data of both acquisition techniques were analyzed by two readers using semiautomatic algorithms (syngoARGUS) with respect to EDV, ESV, EF, myocardial mass (MM), peak filling rate (PFR) and peak ejection rate (PER) including assessment of interobserver agreement. RESULTS: Volumetric results of the TGRAPPA approach did not show significant differences to the STD approach for left ventricular ejection fraction (62.3 ± 10.6 vs. 61.0 ± 8.4, P=0.2), end-diastolic volume (135.8 ± 47.5 vs. 130.8 ± 46.4, P=0.07), endsystolic volume (53.0 ± 29.7 vs. 53.1 ± 32.7, P=0.99) and myocardial mass (114.2 ± 32.5 vs. 114.6±30.6, P=0.9). Moreover, a comparison of peak ejection rate (601.3 ± 190.2 vs. 590.8 ± 218.2, P=0.8) and peak filling rate (535.1±191.2 vs. 535.4 ± 210.7, P=0.99) did not reveal significant differences between the two groups. Limits in interobserver agreement were low for all systolic and diastolic parameters in both groups (P ≥ 0.05). Total acquisition time for STD was 273 ± 124 s and 34 ± 5 s for TGRAPPA (P ≤ 0.001). Evaluation time for standard and multislice approach was equal (10.8 ± 1.4 vs. 9.8 ± 2.1 min; P=0.08).

Extracellular volume fractions in chronic myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess and delineate chronic myocardial infarction (CMI) using precontrast and postcontrast T1 mapping techniques including quantification of extracellular volume fractions (ECVs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 26 patients with CMI were examined at 1.5 T applying a modified Look-Locker Inversion Recovery sequence before and 10 minutes after contrast at 3 short-axis slice positions. An inversion recovery gradient recalled echo sequence (standard of reference) was used for imaging late gadolinium enhancement. Precontrast and postcontrast T1 maps were calculated, and CMI was defined as areas with T1 values more than 3 SDs different compared with normal myocardium (MYO). T1 values of CMI, MYO, and blood pool were measured, and ECVs of CMI and MYO were calculated. Two-tailed Student t test was used for statistical analysis of T1 values and ECVs. Sensitivities and specificities for detection of CMI on precontrast and postcontrast T1 maps were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed for postcontrast T1 values and ECV for discrimination of CMI. RESULTS: The comparison of T1 values of CMI and MYO revealed significant differences in precontrast and postcontrast scans (1159 ± 64 vs 1001 ± 47 milliseconds, P < 0.001, and 238 ± 74 vs 379 ± 59 milliseconds, P < 0.001). Sensitivities and specificities for detection of CMI on T1 mapping were 41.7% and 100% in precontrast Look-Locker Inversion Recovery scans and 95.8% and 99.3% in postcontrast images, respectively. Average ECV for MYO and CMI were 28% ± 5% and 53% ± 10% (P < 0.001). ROC analysis revealed nonsignificantly different areas under the curve of 0.937 and 0.997 for T1 values and ECV, respectively (P = 0.137). Sensitivities and specificities were 92.3% and 92.3% for detecting CMI by postcontrast T1 values and 95.5% and 100% for ECV, with cutoff values being 305 milliseconds or less and greater than 42%. Combined criteria did not result in any further improvement of sensitivity for CMI detection. CONCLUSIONS: Postcontrast T1 values and ECV of chronically infarcted MYO are significantly different compared with respective values of normal MYO. Both parameters allow for accurate detection of CMI with ECV showing marginally higher sensitivity and specificity. Precontrast T1 values lack accuracy in delineation of CMI.

Magnetic resonance perfusion of the myocardium: semiquantitative and quantitative evaluation in comparison with coronary angiography and fractional flow reserve.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate if a quantitative evaluation of a magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion examination of the myocardium can achieve a comparable diagnostic accuracy as a semiquantitative evaluation. METHODS: A total of 31 patients with suspected coronary artery disease underwent MR imaging and conventional coronary angiography. Stenoses with a diameter reduction between 50% and 75% were evaluated by an intracoronary pressure wire examination (fractional flow reserve) for assessment of their hemodynamic relevance. A 0.05 mmol/kg contrast material bolus (gadopentetate dimeglumine) was applied during adenosine-induced stress (140 µg/kg/min) and at rest with a flow rate of 5 mL/s. Signal intensity time curves of the first-pass MR perfusion images, acquired at rest and under adenosine stress with a Saturation Recovery-turbo Fast Low Angle Shot Magnetic Resonance Imaging sequence, were analyzed by Argus Dynamic Signal Analysis (Siemens Healthcare, Erlangen, Germany). For the semiquantitative evaluation, the upslope value of a linear fit from the foot point to the signal maximum was calculated for 18 segments (signal intensity units per second). For the quantitative evaluation, a model-independent deconvolution was used to calculate coronary blood flow (MBF in mL/100 g/min). For each segment for the stress and rest examination, upslope value and MBF were determined. In addition, the ratio of the stress and rest value for each segment was determined (myocardial perfusion reserve index [MPRI]). The mean value of the 2 segments with the lowest value was calculated for each patient. Coronary artery stenosis greater than 75% or greater than 50% with positive fractional flow reserve less than 0.75 was considered as hemodynamically relevant. Receiver-operator-curves were calculated. RESULTS: The values of the area under the ROC curves were 0.74, 0.66, and 0.92 for the US(Stress), US(Rest), and US(MPRI) evaluations (semiquantitative evaluation). The values for the MBF(Stress), MBF(Rest), and MBF(MPRI) evaluations (quantitative evaluation) were 0.92, 0.68, and 0.84, respectively. Comparing US(MPRI) and MBF(Stress), identical values and no significant difference were found for the area under the ROC curves. CONCLUSION: A quantitative evaluation using a model-free deconvolution provides identical diagnostic performance when only a stress examination is used, much similar to a semiquantitative evaluation, if both stress and rest examinations are used.

Dynamic 3D-MR-angiography for assessing rheumatoid disease of the hand--a feasibility study.

PURPOSE: To investigate highly temporally resolved MR-angiography (MRA) with time-resolved imaging with stochastic trajectories (TWIST) of the hand as supplementary tool for dynamic assessment of synovitis and vascular pathologies in rheumatoid diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A coronal dynamic TWIST-MRA-sequence (0.7 mm × 0.7 mm × 1.4 mm, temporal resolution 2.5s, time of acquisition 4 min) of the predominantly affected hand of 17 patients with suspected rheumatoid disease was acquired after contrast administration (Multihance, Bracco Imaging SpA) at 3T (Magnetom VERIO, 8-channel-knee-coil, Siemens Healthcare). As standard of reference, contrast enhanced non fat-saturated coronal and fat-saturated axial T1-w sequences were acquired. These static sequences and the dynamic TWIST-MRA-maximum-intensity-projections (MIP) were separately assessed by two readers in consensus, recording the number of synovial lesions (wrist, intercarpal, metacarpophaleangal/proximal/distal interphalangeal joints), signs of tenosynovitis and vasculitis. Diagnostic confidence was rated (4-point-scale: 4=excellent; 1=non-diagnostic). Statistical significance was tested using the Wilcoxon-rank-sum-test. RESULTS: An insignificantly lower number of synovial lesions (n=72 vs. 89; p=0.1) and only 3/9 cases with tenosynovitis were identified by the TWIST-MRA. For detected lesions, diagnostic confidence was comparable (MRA: 3.64; static T1-w post contrast: 3.47). In patients with high clinical activity dynamic MRA showed very early synovial enhancement. Only dynamic MRA detected 3 cases of vasculitis (subsequently confirmed with digital-subtraction-angiography). CONCLUSION: TWIST-MRA facilitates fast detection of synovitis. Although dynamic MRA of the hand is inferior to static contrast enhanced sequences in assessing the number of synovitic and tenosynovitic lesions, its high temporal resolution allows for fast visual grading of disease activity and assessment of vasculitis without additional contrast material application.

Contrast-enhanced whole-heart coronary MRA using Gadofosveset 3.0 T versus 1.5 T.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To compare contrast-enhanced coronary magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) at 3.0 T with the same technique performed at 1.5 T using the contrast agent gadofosveset. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective randomized study, 19 healthy male volunteers (mean age 28 years, mean weight 79.8 kg), after signing informed consents, underwent contrast-enhanced inversion recovery three-dimensional fast low angle shot (FLASH) MRA at 1.5 and at 3.0 T. Prospective electrocardiogram-triggering was combined with adaptive respiratory gating. For contrast-enhanced images, the intravascular contrast agent gadofosveset was used. Acquisition time, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of coronary blood, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) between coronaries and adjacent myocardium or epicardial fat and image quality were analyzed for statistical differences by using a two-tailed paired-sample t-test. The ratio calculations were based on measurements performed on the raw data and the image quality was blinded and independently evaluated by two experienced radiologists using a five-point scale. RESULTS: The mean values for the acquisition time were 14.58 +/- 0.1 minutes at 1.5 T and 16.40 +/- 0.2 minutes at 3.0 T. Overall SNR of all evaluated coronary segments proved higher at 3.0 T compared to 1.5 T (74.0 +/- 42.1 at 3.0 T vs. 50.2 +/- 20.2 at 1.5 T, P = .04). Overall CNR between coronaries and myocardium was significantly increased at 3.0 T in comparison to 1.5 T (40.1 +/- 21.9 at 3.0 T vs. 24.4 +/- 17.2 at 1.5 T, P = .01). Between the two methods, no significant difference in overall CNR between coronaries and epicardial fat was observed (P = .08, NS). The 3.0 T MRA demonstrated superior overall image quality with respect to 1.5 T (2.28 +/- 0.71 at 3.0 T vs. 1.92 +/- 0.38 at 1.5T, P = .004). CONCLUSION: The use of higher field strength, 3.0 T instead of 1.5 T, resulted in similar CNR between coronaries and epicardial fat, higher SNR values and CNR between blood and myocardium, as well as an improved overall image quality, when gadofosveset in combination with electrocardiogram and respiratory triggering for coronary MRA was used.

New observations from MR velocity-encoded flow measurements concerning diastolic function in constrictive pericarditis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess diastolic function in patients with constrictive pericarditis (CP) by using velocity-encoded flow measurements at the atrioventricular valves and to evaluate whether conclusions regarding increased ventricular pressure can be drawn. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with CP and 20 healthy subjects were examined on a 1.5-T MR system. In addition to evaluation of pericardial thickness, ventricular volumes and septal movement, velocity-encoded flow measurements were performed at the level of the atrioventricular valves for assessment of diastolic function. Amplitudes of the e- and a-waves were measured and e- to a-wave ratios were calculated. The correlation of transtricuspid e- to a-wave ratios and right ventricular end-diastolic pressures (RVEDP) was calculated. RESULTS: Right ventricular volumes were significantly smaller in patients with CP (p < 0.001). Abnormal septal movement was detected in all patients except one with CP and in none of the healthy subjects. In patients with CP mean transtricuspid e- to a-wave ratios were significantly smaller compared with healthy subjects. Individual transtricuspid e- to a-wave ratios were highly correlated with RVEDP (r = 0.6, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: An elaborate MR examination can identify patients with CP. Velocity-encoded flow measurements with calculation of transtricuspid e- to a-wave ratios are a valuable tool for detection of diastolic dysfunction in patients with CP. The value of e- to a-wave ratios may indicate elevated RVEDP.

Unsupervised fully automated inline analysis of global left ventricular function in CINE MR imaging.

OBJECTIVES: To implement and evaluate the accuracy of unsupervised fully automated inline analysis of global ventricular function and myocardial mass (MM). To compare automated with manual segmentation in patients with cardiac disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 50 patients, cine imaging of the left ventricle was performed with an accelerated retrogated steady state free precession sequence (GRAPPA; R = 2) on a 1.5 Tesla whole body scanner (MAGNETOM Avanto, Siemens Healthcare, Germany). A spatial resolution of 1.4 x 1.9 mm was achieved with a slice thickness of 8 mm and a temporal resolution of 42 milliseconds. Ventricular coverage was based on 9 to 12 short axis slices extending from the annulus of the mitral valve to the apex with 2 mm gaps. Fully automated segmentation and contouring was performed instantaneously after image acquisition. In addition to automated processing, cine data sets were also manually segmented using a semi-automated postprocessing software. Results of both methods were compared with regard to end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), ejection fraction (EF), and MM. A subgroup analysis was performed in patients with normal (> or =55%) and reduced EF (<55%) based on the results of the manual analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-two percent of patients had a reduced left ventricular EF of <55%. Volumetric results of the automated inline analysis for EDV (r = 0.96), ESV (r = 0.95), EF (r = 0.89), and MM (r = 0.96) showed high correlation with the results of manual segmentation (all P < 0.001). Head-to-head comparison did not show significant differences between automated and manual evaluation for EDV (153.6 +/- 52.7 mL vs. 149.1 +/- 48.3 mL; P = 0.05), ESV (61.6 +/- 31.0 mL vs. 64.1 +/- 31.7 mL; P = 0.08), and EF (58.0 +/- 11.6% vs. 58.6 +/- 11.6%; P = 0.5). However, differences were significant for MM (150.0 +/- 61.3 g vs. 142.4 +/- 59.0 g; P < 0.01). The standard error was 15.6 (EDV), 9.7 (ESV), 5.0 (EF), and 17.1 (mass). The mean time for manual analysis was 15 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: Unsupervised fully automated segmentation and contouring during image reconstruction enables an accurate evaluation of global systolic cardiac function.

Contrast-enhanced whole-heart MR coronary angiography at 3.0 T using the intravascular contrast agent gadofosveset.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare contrast-enhanced (CE) whole-heart coronary magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) at 3.0 T using gadofosveset to noncontrast-enhanced steady-state free precession (SSFP) coronary MRA at 1.5 T. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized study was conducted among 20 healthy male volunteers. The same group of subjects underwent CE whole heart MRA at 3.0 T employing a 3D FLASH sequence with IR prepulse after gadofosveset injection as well as noncontrast-enhanced coronary MRA at 1.5 T using a 3D SSFP sequence with T2-preparation. Both techniques were performed using prospective ECG-triggering and adaptive respiratory gating. Acquisition time, signal-to-noise ratio of coronary blood, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) between coronaries and adjacent myocardium or epicardial fat, and image quality were evaluated in each case. RESULTS: A significant increase of the overall CNR between coronary blood and adjacent myocardium was measured on images acquired at 3 T in comparison to 1.5 T. The mean values were 38.9 +/- 19.6 and 26.3 +/- 15.4, respectively (P[r] < 0.005). There was no significant difference in CNR between coronary blood and epicardial fat. The mean image quality for the proximal and mid coronary segments was not statistically different between 1.5 T and 3.0 T (P > 0.05), however, the distal coronary segments were rated significantly higher for the CE MRA at 3.0 T (P = 0.02). The average acquisition time (15.29 +/- 5.73 minutes at 1.5 T vs. 17.29 +/- 5.18 minutes at 3 T) and overall image quality (2.15 +/- 0.49 at 1.5 T vs. 2.35 +/- 0.39 at 3 T) were similar for both methods. CONCLUSIONS: CE whole-heart coronary MRA at 3.0 T demonstrated higher overall CNR between coronary blood and myocardium and an improved image quality of the distal coronary segments compared with noncontrast-enhanced SSFP coronary MRA at 1.5 T.

MR-lymphangiography at 3.0 T--a feasibility study.

The purpose of this study was to establish and evaluate contrast-enhanced MR-lymphangiography (MRL) at 3.0 T for detection and visualization of abnormalities of the peripheral lymphatic system. Sixteen patients were examined with a highly resolved isotropic T1w-3D-GRE-(FLASH) sequence (TR 3.76 ms/TE 1.45 ms/FA 30 degrees /voxel-size 0.8 x 0.8 x 0.8 mm(3)) at 3T after intracutaneous injection of gadolinium-diethylene-triamine-pentaacetic-acid. Two radiologists evaluated overall image quality, contrast between lymph vessels and background tissue, venous contamination, visualized levels, and fat-saturation-homogeneity on 3D maximum-intensity projections. Overall image quality was good to excellent, and all examinations were diagnostic except one, where contrast medium was injected subcutaneously instead of intracutaneously. Overall image quality was good to excellent in 12/16 cases, depiction of lymph vessels was good to excellent in 15/16 cases. Venous contamination was always present, but diagnostically problematical in only one case. Instant lymphatic drainage was observed in unaffected extremities, reaching the pelvic level after approximately 10 min. Lymphatic drainage was considerably delayed in lymphedematous extremities. Ectatic lymph vessels, entrapment, and diffuse drainage of contrast medium correlated with impaired lymphatic drainage. In conclusion, MRL at 3.0 T provides very high spatial resolution and anatomical detail of normal and abnormal peripheral lymph vessels. MRL may thus become a valuable tool for microsurgical treatment planning and monitoring.

Assessment of Myocardial Viability with 3D MRI at 3 T.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to show that spatial resolution can be improved without loss of diagnostic accuracy if a 3D inversion recovery gradient-recalled echo (GRE) sequence is used instead of a segmented inversion recovery GRE at 3 T for the assessment of myocardial infarction. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with myocardial infarction were examined on a 3-T MR system. A segmented breath-hold 3D inversion recovery GRE technique with a voxel size of 6.3 mm(3) was compared with a breath-hold standard 2D inversion recovery GRE technique with a voxel size of 21.3 mm(3) for the detection of delayed enhancement. Contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) were calculated and infarct volumes were measured. Detection and transmural extent of infarctions were evaluated using kappa statistics. Total acquisition times were measured for both sequences. RESULTS: The CNR in the 3D technique did not show any significant difference compared with the 2D technique. The correlation coefficients of the infarct volumes determined with the 3D and 2D inversion recovery GRE studies at 3 T were r = 0.99 (p < 0.001). The assessment of the presence of hyperenhanced myocardium in all segments and the evaluation of transmurality resulted in very good agreement (kappa = 0.98 and kappa = 0.90). Total acquisition time was significantly shorter with the 3D technique (2.4 +/- 0.9 minutes) than with the 2D technique (4.9 +/- 1.5 minutes) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The use of a 3D inversion recovery GRE sequence at 3 T allows accurate assessment of myocardial infarction without loss of CNR compared with the standard 2D technique. Furthermore, data acquisition time can be significantly reduced.

Low dose gadobenate dimeglumine for imaging of chronic myocardial infarction in comparison with standard dose gadopentetate dimeglumine.

OBJECTIVES: Gadobenate dimeglumine has a 2-fold higher T1 relaxivity compared with gadopentetate dimeglumine and can be used for imaging delayed enhancement in the assessment of myocardial infarction. The purpose of this study was to compare 0.1 mmoL/kg gadobenate dimeglumine (Gd-BOPTA, MultiHance, Bracco Imaging SpA, Milan, Italy) with 0.2 mmoL/kg gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA, Magnevist, Bayer-Schering Pharma AG, Berlin, Germany) in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed in accordance with the institutional review board. Two groups of 20 patients underwent magnetic resonance examinations for evaluation of chronic myocardial infarction. Although group 1 received gadobenate dimeglumine at a dose of 0.1 mmoL/kg, group 2 received gadopentetate dimeglumine at a dose of 0.2 mmoL/kg. Single shot inversion recovery (IR) steady-state free precession (SSFP), and IR gradient echo sequence (GRE) sequences were used for imaging delayed enhancement. The sizes of myocardial infarctions were measured for both contrast agents in both imaging techniques by 2 readers. Bland-Altman analyses were performed for each sequence and gadolinium chelate. Furthermore, the transmural extent of myocardial infarction was assessed by 2 readers according to the 17-segment model for both contrast media and both sequences and kappa values were calculated. Signal-to-noise ratios for infarcted myocardium, normal myocardium, and the left ventricular cavity were measured, and the contrast-to-noise ratios of infarcted compared with normal myocardium (CNRinf-myo) and infarcted myocardium in relation to the left ventricular cavities (CNRinf-LVC) were calculated. RESULTS: The Bland-Altman plots in the assessment of infarction size did not reveal a systematic bias between the 2 readers. The mean difference between reader 1 and 2 was less than 0.9 cm3 of mean infarction volume. Assessment of interobserver agreement regarding the transmural extent of myocardial infarction resulted in kappa values of kappa = 0.845 (IR SSFP) and kappa = 0.874 (IR GRE) in gadobenate-enhanced images and kappa = 0.841 (IR SSFP) and kappa = 0.833 (IR GRE) after administration of gadopentetate. CNRinf-normal was significantly higher on the images of group 1 (gadobenate) compared with group 2 (gadopentetate) in both sequences (single shot IR SSFP: 18.1 +/- 10.1 vs. 12.1 +/- 6.7; P = 0.032 and IR GRE: 27.2 +/- 5.8 vs. 19.7 +/- 5.9; P = 0.005). The mean value of CNRinf-LVC for the group examined with Gd-BOPTA was lower, though not significantly, compared with the group examined with Gd-DTPA in IR GRE technique, whereas CNRinf-LVC for IR SSFP resulted in equal values (single shot IR SSFP: 1.2 +/- 5.2 vs. 1.1 +/- 6.8; P = n.s. and IR GRE 2.4 +/- 5.8 vs. 5.8 +/- 7.9; P = n.s.). CONCLUSIONS: Low dose Gd-BOPTA resulted in significantly higher CNRinf-myo compared with standard dose Gd-DTPA in imaging of myocardial infarction with IR SSFP and IR GRE sequences. Demarcation of infarcted myocardium from the left ventricular cavity assessed by CNR showed no significant difference after application of either contrast media in both imaging techniques.

Inversion recovery single-shot TurboFLASH for assessment of myocardial infarction at 3 Tesla.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of imaging myocardial infarction with a single-shot inversion recovery turbofast low-angle shot (SS IR turboFLASH) sequence at 3.0 Tesla in comparison with an established segmented inversion recovery turboFLASH sequence at 1.5 Tesla. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with myocardial infarction were examined at a 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance (MR) System (Avanto, Siemens, Medical Solutions) and at a 3.0 Tesla MR system (TIM Trio, Siemens, Medical Solutions). Imaging delayed enhancement was started 15 minutes after application of contrast material. A SS IR turboFLASH was performed at 3.0 Tesla and compared with a segmented IR turboFLASH sequence at 1.5 and at 3.0 Tesla. The IR turboFLASH sequence at 1.5 Tesla served as reference method. Infarct volumes, contrast/noise ratio (CNR) of infarcted and normal myocardium were compared with the reference method. RESULTS: The Single-Shot IR turboFLASH technique allows imaging 9 slices during a single breath-hold. The CNR between infarction and normal myocardium of the reference method was 6.4 at 1.5 Tesla. The mean value of CNR of the IR turboFLASH sequence was 7.3 at 3.0 Tesla for the single-shot technique and 14.1 at 3.0 Tesla for the segmented technique. No significant difference was found for the CNR values of the reference technique at 1.5 Tesla and the single-shot technique at 3.0 Tesla, however for the comparison of the segmented technique at 1.5 and at 3 Tesla (P = 0.0001). The correlation coefficients of the infarct volumes, determined with the Single-Shot IR turboFLASH and the segmented IR turboFLASH technique at 3.0 compared with the reference method, were r = 0.95 (P < 0.0001) and r = 0.95 (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The loss of CNR, which is caused by replacement of the segmented technique by the single-shot technique, is completely compensated by the approximately 2-fold CNR increase at the higher field strength. The IR turboFLASH technique at 3.0 Tesla IR can be used as a single-shot technique with acquisition of 9 slices during a single breath-hold without loss of diagnostic accuracy compared with the segmented technique at 1.5 Tesla.

Cardiac steady-state free precession CINE magnetic resonance imaging at 3.0 tesla: impact of parallel imaging acceleration on volumetric accuracy and signal parameters.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate the impact of 3.0 T on accelerated CINE steady-state free precession (SSFP) regarding signal parameters and its volumetric accuracy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten individuals underwent cardiac CINE imaging at 1.5 T and 3.0 T using standard single-slice CINE and multislice TSENSE-accelerated CINE (5 slices/breath-hold) with 4-fold acceleration. Data were evaluated for left ventricular volumetric parameters (EDV, ESV, and EF) as well as for SNR and CNR. Phantom based data allowed for g-factor evaluation for estimation of noise levels for accelerated data sets. Volumetric results and signal parameters were compared with results of single-slice CINE SSFP at 1.5 T as standard of reference (SOR). RESULTS: Single-slice CINE at 3.0 T showed a approximately 90% increase in CNR compared with the SOR (P < 0.001). At 3.0 T, TSENSE CINE showed a less pronounced estimated loss in CNR (-58 +/- 6%) compared with single-slice CINE than at 1.5 T (-71 +/- 2%). 3.0 T TSENSE CINE showed a 21 +/- 18% lower CNR than the nonaccelerated 1.5 T CINE (P < 0.05). EF results for all data sets did not show any significant error while for EDV some errors have been encountered. CONCLUSION: 3.0 T permits compensation for the high CNR loss, which accompanies the 4-fold TSENSE acceleration at 1.5 T and shows volumetric accuracy. The use of parallel imaging may help to alleviate SAR limitations at higher field strength.

Phase-sensitive inversion recovery (PSIR) single-shot TrueFISP for assessment of myocardial infarction at 3 tesla.

PURPOSE: The aim of the current study was to show if contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) could be improved without loss of diagnostic accuracy if a phase-sensitive inversion recovery (PSIR) single-shot TrueFISP sequence is used at 3.0 T instead of 1.5 T. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten patients with myocardial infarction were examined on a 1.5 T magnetic resonance (MR) system (Avanto, Siemens Medical Systems) and at a 3.0 T MR system. Imaging delayed contrast enhancement was started 10 minutes after application of contrast material. A phase-sensitive inversion recovery (PSIR) single-shot TrueFISP sequence was used at 1.5 and 3.0 T and compared with a segmented IR turboFLASH sequence at 1.5 T, which served as the reference method. Infarct volumes and CNR of infarction and normal myocardium were compared with the reference method. RESULTS: The PSIR Single-Shot TrueFISP technique allows for imaging nine slices during a single breathhold without adaptation of the inversion time. The mean value of CNR between infarction and normal myocardium was 5.9 at 1.5 T and 12.2 at 3.0 T (magnitude images). The CNR mean value of the reference method was 8.4. The CNR mean value at 3.0 T was significantly (P = 0.03) higher than the mean value of the reference method. The correlation coefficients of the infarct volumes, determined with the PSIR single-shot TrueFISP technique at 1.5 T and at 3.0 T and compared with the reference method, were r = 0.96 (P = 0.001) and r = 0.99 (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The use of PSIR single-shot TrueFISP at 3.0 T allows for accurate detection and assessment of myocardial infarction. CNR is significantly higher at 3.0 T compared with 1.5 T. The PSIR single-shot technique at 3.0 T provides a higher CNR than the segmented reference technique at 1.5 T.