Kerstin Ulrike Bauner MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Olaf Muehling, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Bernd J. Wintersperger MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Eva Winnik MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Maximilian F. Reiser MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Armin Michael Huber MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

The aim of the study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of imaging myocardial infarction with a single-shot inversion recovery turbo fast low-angle shot (SS-IR-turboFLASH) sequence at 3.0 Tesla in comparison to an established segmented inversion recovery turboFLASH sequence at 1.5 Tesla.

15 patients with myocardial infarction were examined at a 1.5 Tesla MR System and at a 3.0 Tesla MR system. 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 Tesla which served as reference method. Infarct volumes, CNR of infarcted and normal myocardium were compared with the reference method.

The SS-IR-turboFLASH technique allows imaging 9 slices during a single breathhold. The comparison of CNR between infarction and normal myocardium of the SS-IR-turboFLASH at 3T and the reference method at 1.5T showed no significant difference (7.3 ± 6.5 at vs. 6.4 ± 4.4). The correlation coefficients of the infarct volumes determined with the SS-IR-turboFLASH and the segmented IR-turboFLASH technique at 1.5T was r=0.95 (p < 0.0001).

The loss of CNR, which is caused by replacement of the segmented technique by the single shot technique, is completely compensated 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 breathhold without loss of diagnostic accuracy compared to the segmented technique at 1.5 Tesla.

The reduction of acquisition time, which can be achieved by using a single shot technique, is crucial in clinical practice. Furthermore this technique may improve image quality in atrial fibrillation.

Bauner, K, Muehling, O, Wintersperger, B, Winnik, E, Reiser, M, Huber, A, Inversion Recovery Single Shot TurboFLASH for Assessment of Myocardial Infarction at 3 Tesla.  Radiological Society of North America 2007 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2007 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2007/5003920.html