Fast imaging of phosphocreatine in the normal human myocardium using a three-dimensional RARE pulse sequence at 4 tesla

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the use of a three-dimensional rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement (RARE) pulse sequence for direct acquisition of phosphocreatine (PCr) images of the human myocardium. Materials and Methods: A short elliptical birdcage radio-frequency (RF) body coil was constructed to produce a uniform flip angle throughout the chest cavity. In vivo images using a spectrally-selective RARE sequence with a spatial resolution of 1.2 cm × 1.2 cm × 2.5 cm (4 cm3) were acquired in nine minutes and 40 seconds. Results: Scans of phantoms demonstrated excellent spectral selectivity. The signal-to-noise ratio in the myocardium ranged from 12.6 in the anterior wall to 5.3 in the mid septum. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that PCr data can be acquired using a three-dimensional RARE sequence with greater spatial and temporal resolution than spectroscopic techniques. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.