Three-dimensional coronary MR angiography using zonal echo planar imaging

Magn Reson Med. 1998 May;39(5):833-42. doi: 10.1002/mrm.1910390521.

Abstract

Using an adapted two-dimensional spatially selective RF excitation scheme, a novel yet practical three-dimensional (3D) zonal echo-planar imaging technique for MR coronary angiography has been developed. The robustness of the technique compared with the two-dimensional (2D) segmented fast low angle shot (FLASH) method was evaluated using the right coronary artery images of 16 asymptomatic volunteers with a 0.5-T mobile scanner. Each 3D acquisition required multiple breath-holds, and real-time navigator echoes were used to ensure consistent breath-holding. Advantages of the technique include an improved signal-to-noise ratio, clearer depiction of tortuous coronary vessels due to decreased partial volume effects, and reduced motion blurring by the use of a short echo-planar readout.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Artifacts
  • Coronary Vessels / anatomy & histology*
  • Echo-Planar Imaging / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography / methods*
  • Male
  • Phantoms, Imaging
  • Respiration
  • Time Factors