High-resolution multi-breath-held 3D volumetric T1 mapping acquisition: analysis of T1 measurement reproducibility compared to 2D T1 mapping with a respiratory motion phantom

Abstract

Background Myocardial T1 mapping, which is used to detect diffuse fibrosis and quantify extracellular volumes, often employs 8-10 mm 2D slice acquisitions. However, this may be unsuited for accurate quantification of small tissues samples. We propose a new methodology that improves through-plane resolution using a novel 3D acquisition technique over multiple breath-holds. In this study, we compared this new approach to the reference multi-slice 2D approach using a respiratory motion phantom. Methods The proposed 3D sequence employs a Cartesian projection of radial sectors, where each opposite sector pair is acquired in a single readout crossing through the center of