3D IR-turbo-FLASH for assessment of myocardial infarction at 3 Tesla

Purpose: The aim of the current study was to show that spatial resolution could be improved without loss of diagnostic accuracy if a 3D-IR-turboFLASH sequence was used instead of a 2D segmented IR-turbo-FLASH at 3.0 Tesla.

Materials and Methods: Ten patients with myocardial infarction were examined on a 3.0 T MR system (Siemens Trio a Tim system, Erlangen, Germany). Imaging delayed contrast enhancement was started 10 minutes after administration of contrast material. A 3 dimensional IR-turboFLASH sequence Voxel size 2.0×1.4×3.0mm) was compared with a segmented 2D IR turboFLASH sequence (Voxel size 2.1×1.4×8.0mm), the latter serving as the reference method. Infarct volumes and CNR of infarction and normal myocardium as measured using the 3D images were compared with those determined using the reference method.

Results: The 3D IR turboFLASH technique allows for imaging thinner slices, which can be reconstructed in any plane. Furthermore image acquisition time can be reduced to 3 breathholds compared to 9 breatholds. The mean value of CNR in the 3D technique between infarction and normal myocardium was 80.0±24.8 and did not show any significant difference compared to the 2D IR turboFLASH in segmented technique (56.1±15.9). The correlation coefficient of the infarct volumes, determined with the 3D and 2D IR-turboFLASH sequences at 3.0 T, was r=0.96 (P=0.001)

Conclusion: The use of a 3D IR turboFLASH at 3.0 T allows for accurate detection and assessment of myocardial infarction without loss of CNR. In addition image reconstruction is possible in any plane.