Abstract
Background Balanced-SSFP is widely used because of its inherent highcontrast and high-SNR efficiency, and therefore is an obvious choice for neonatal cardiac applications. Typically, multiple averages are needed due to the high-spatial and temporal resolutions required, especially for the smallest preterm infants. Therefore, prolonged intensive scans are required placing high demands on scanner hardware. Consequently, one of the two critical prerequisites for successful SSFP sufficient B0 shimming and stable scanner frequency is often not met using standard protocols.
Highlights
Balanced-SSFP is widely used because of its inherent highcontrast and high-SNR efficiency, and is an obvious choice for neonatal cardiac applications
The phase-slice reformats in Figure 1 reveal progressive drift in bands, and frequency, up through the Methods Frequency drifts were assessed, alongside a method of active correction, at 3T on phantoms and in vivo
Additional tests were performed using 3D SSFP acquired at 1x1x1 mm (FOV=10x10x3 cm), 20 phases, 1 average, TA~5 mins and repeated several times to assess whether drifts occur in 3D protocols
Summary
Balanced-SSFP is widely used because of its inherent highcontrast and high-SNR efficiency, and is an obvious choice for neonatal cardiac applications. Multiple averages are needed due to the high-spatial and temporal resolutions required, especially for the smallest preterm infants. Prolonged intensive scans are required placing high demands on scanner hardware. One of the two critical prerequisites for successful SSFP - sufficient B0 shimming and stable scanner frequency - is often not met using standard protocols. Image based shimming was used to ensure adequate B0 uniformity over the neonatal heart
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