Artifact suppression of SSFP cine sequences at 3T using a novel automatic 3D shimming algorithm

Tamara Rothstein,Ralph Strecker,Gabriel C Camargo,Ilan Gottlieb,Elsa Fernandes,Joao J Moojen,Patricia B Rizzi,Marceu Lima,Daniel C Quintella,Maria Eduarda Derenne,Andreas Greiser,Ronaldo Sl Lima

doi:10.1186/1532-429x-15-s1-p57

Abstract

Methods A total of 20 consecutive patients scheduled to undergo a clinically indicated CMR in normal sinus rhythm and able to perform apnea were prospectively enrolled to be scanned in a 3T system (MAGNETOM Verio, Siemens, Germany). Frequency scout images were acquired in two and four chamber views and the frequency offset associated with least banding artifacts involving the heart was manually set (Figure 1) for the acquisition of short and long axis segmented cine SSFP images covering the entire ventricular volumes (bandwidth of 700-750 Hz/ pixel and echo spacing of 3.4 ms). The same sequences were then repeated with the offset reset to 0 Hz (only change made) but with the use of a novel 3D shimming algorithm restricted to the heart (instead of the entire FOV) based on a patient specific GRE fieldmap previously generated (WIP Siemens, Germany). Images were blindly evaluated for segmental function (normal vs. abnormal), and the presence of artifacts within the heart (none, minor or important the latter meaning that at least one myocardial segment could not be assessed). Ventricular volumes were also blindly mea-

Highlights

Imaging the heart at 3T has some advantages, but magnetic susceptibility increases at higher field strengths, generating deleterious banding artifacts, especially when using SSFP-based sequence
We aimed to evaluate whether a recently developed advanced shimming algorithm reduces banding artifacts on SSFP cine images at 3T
Frequency scout images were acquired in two and four chamber views and the frequency offset associated with least banding artifacts involving the heart was manually set (Figure 1) for the acquisition of short and long axis segmented cine SSFP images covering the entire ventricular volumes

Summary

Background

Imaging the heart at 3T has some advantages, but magnetic susceptibility increases at higher field strengths, generating deleterious banding artifacts, especially when using SSFP-based sequence. We aimed to evaluate whether a recently developed advanced shimming algorithm reduces banding artifacts on SSFP cine images at 3T

Methods

Results

Funding Internal