Christoph Buchberger, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Andreas Weng, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Heimo Stamm, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Christian Oliver Ritter MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Dietbert Hahn MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Herbert Koestler PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Meinrad Johannes Beer MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

et al, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

et al, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Realtime magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques with parallel imaging are an alternative to assess cardiac function and morphology. Using a new free breathing technique we evaluated the accuracy of the method in regard to global left ventricular function.

22 Individuals (13 patients, 9 volunteers) were examined with cine MRI on a 1.5-Tesla scanner. Cine MRI used a steady-state free precession technique and was performed as a single-slice technique (nonTSENSE cine). For realtime imaging and an accelerated technique (TSENSE) with a temporal resolution of 49ms and no breath-hold was used. Ejection fraction (EF), end diastolic volume (EDV), end systolic volume (ESV) and left ventricular (LV) Mass were evaluated for all data sets. Differences between the methods (mean, 95% confidence interval, CI) were calculated.

In parallel imaging no artifacts occurred. All patients with an increased global mass , EDV, ESV and a decreased EF were detected with both methods. Data acquisition for the multislice approach was decreased to less than 1/10 compared to single-slice cine. The results with the realtime TSENSE and cine sequence respectively were for EF [%] 58.5 ± 8.2 vs. 58.6 ±7.5. The difference between both sequences was -0.1 (mean) [-5.24, 5.06] (95% confidence interval), for ESV [ml] 64.3 ± 32.4 vs. 64.1 ± 37.5 (difference 0,18 [-14.78, 15.14]), for EDV [ml] 150,4 ± 45,4 vs. 149,5 ± 52 (difference 0.92 [-19.22, 21.07]), and for LV mass [g] 123.2 ± 37.4 vs. 120.0 ± 43.7 (difference 3.16 [-18.37, 24.7]). Determination of EF based on TSENSE cine showed excellent correlation to the nonTSENSE cine approach, the results for EDV , ESV and LV mass were satisfying for the clinical use.

We conclude that accurate evaluation of global function is possible using accelerated free-breathing realtime MR, especially measurement of EF (global function) is sufficient for most clinical questions

Free breathing realtime MRI seems to be a reliable tool for clinical routine use, the occurrence of artifacts is being decreased, the comfort for the patient is increased and the examination time is accelerated to 1/10 compared to single-slice cine.

Buchberger, C, Weng, A, Stamm, H, Ritter, C, Hahn, D, Koestler, H, Beer, M, et al, , et al, , Free-breathing Multislice MRI for Determination of Cardiac Functional Parameters.  Radiological Society of North America 2007 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2007 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2007/5010766.html