Ashkan Akhavan Malayeri MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Craig Johnson, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Robson de Macedo MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Joan Bathon MD, Abstract Co-Author: Research grant, Biogen Idec Inc Research grant, Amgen Inc Research grant, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Research grant, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd (Roche Diagnostics)

Joao A.C. Lima MD, Abstract Co-Author: Grant, Toshiba Corporation Grant, Bracco Group Grant, General Electric Company Grant, Astellas Group

David A. Bluemke MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Consultant, General Electric Company

Steady-state free precession (SSFP) cine MRI has largely replaced fast gradient echo (FGRE) cine due to faster imaging and improved blood-tissue contrast. Differences in cardiac mass and volumes between the two sequences have been reported, but methods to relate myocardial masses and volumes determined by FGRE and SSFP for longitudinal follow-up of patients is problematic and has not been reported.

One hundred cardiac cine MRI examinations were acquired in 50 participants [F: 35, M: 15, mean age 64.1 (9.1), 48-83 years] using SSFP and FGRE methods in the Evaluation of Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease and Predictors of Events in Rheumatoid Arthritis (ESCAPE) study. Cine MRI was acquired in the short axis plane at 1 cm intervals with <50 msec temporal resolution and 6-8x1.4x1.9mm spatial resolution. Endocardial and epicardial contours of the left ventricle (LV) were determined using semi-automated analysis by experienced observers using QMASS MR 6.1.6 (Medis Medical System, Leiden, Netherlands).

The mean (SD) end diastolic LV volume measured by FGRE was significantly lower than SSFP [115.44 (30.1) ml vs. 120.76 (29.1) ml, respectively; p<0.001]. Mean end diastolic LV mass measured by FGRE was larger than corresponding value for SSFP images [115.82 (27.5) g vs. 109.81 (24.9) g, respectively; p<0.001]. There was no significant difference in stroke volume and cardiac output estimation for the two methods. Importantly, the relationship between FGRE and SSFP measures were linear and strongly correlated for both end diastolic and end systolic LV volumes [r2 = 0.90 vs. 0.91 respectively; p<0.001] and end diastolic mass measurement [r2 = 0.95, p<0.001]. The correlation of the measure for ejection fraction, stroke volume and cardiac output were significantly strong and linear [r2 = 0.74, 0.78 and 0.80, respectively, p<0.001].

SSFP images show higher end diastolic volume but lower end diastolic and end systolic mass than FGRE cine images. Linear relationships exist for key LV function parameters when comparing FGRE and SSFP cine MRI.

These results indicate that existing databases for FGRE LV function may be converted to corresponding LV function values for SSFP MRI.

Akhavan Malayeri, A, Johnson, C, Macedo, R, Bathon, J, Lima, J, Bluemke, D, Cardiac Cine MRI: Relationship between Fast Gradient Echo and Steady State Free Precession for Determination of Myocardial Mass and Volumes.  Radiological Society of North America 2007 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2007 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2007/5012026.html