Novel T2*-Weighted contrast preparation scheme for segmented k-space myocardial imaging

Abstract

A novel T2*-weighted contrast-preparation scheme is described for use with segmented k-space cardiac sequences. This approach frees the imaging phase from the requirement of a long TE and, hence, a relatively long TR. A [90°x-τ-90°ρ] preparation scheme is used to acquire four image data sets with the phase ρ of the second pulse set to x, y, -x, and -y. The ρ = x raw data is subtracted from the ρ = -x data to form the "x" image, with a similar subtraction to generate the "y" image. These images are added in quadrature to obtain the T2*-weighted image. The method results in reduced artifact compared to a simple two-image scheme with ρ = x, and y. T2* was measured in the myocardial septum in six normal volunteers by comparing τ = 7 and 28 ms images, and it was found to be 44 ± 5 ms at 0.95 T. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.