bSSFP Imaging Research Articles

3D contrast enhanced self navigated inversion recovery gradient echo coronary imaging in pediatric patients

Background Coronary arterial imaging in pediatric patients is challenging for multiple reasons, including higher heart rates and smaller vessel sizes. 3D respiratory navigator inversion recovery gradient echo (NAV IR GRE) imaging after administration of a blood pool contrast agent has shown advantages compared to 3D T2 prepared bSSFP imaging. Both techniques, however, provide unreliable acquisition timing since respiratory navigation efficiency varies based on patient conditions. Self-navigated (SN) whole heart imaging using a T2 prepared bSSFP readout, with tracking of the intracardiac blood pool rather than the diaphragm resulting in 100% efficient data acquisition, has been previously introduced. This technique, however, has not been applied using an IR preparation and GRE readout (SN IR GRE). We therefore sought to apply the SN IR GRE methodology in pediatric patients.

Improved high-resolution pediatric vascular imaging with Gadofosveset-Enhanced 3d respiratory navigated IR GRE imaging compared to 3D bSSFP imaging

Background Improved delineation of vascular structures, including coronary arteries and pulmonary veins, is a common indication for CMR imaging in children and requires high spatial resolution given small structure sizes. Currently, pre-contrast 3D, respiratory navigated, T2 prepared, fat saturated imaging with a bSSFP readout (3D bSSFP) is commonly used; however, these images can have limitations including blood pool inhomogeneity and exaggeration of metal artifact. We sought to compare imaging after administration of a blood pool contrast agent, gadofosveset trisodium (GT), with 3D, respiratory navigated, inversion recovery prepared imaging with a gradient echo readout (3D IR GRE) to the standard 3D bSSFP for imaging of pediatric vasculature.

Balanced SSFP Dixon imaging with banding-artifact reduction at 3 Tesla.

To develop a three-dimensional (3D) balanced steady-state free-precession (bSSFP) two-point Dixon method with banding-artifact suppression to offer robust high-resolution 3D bright-fluid imaging. A complex sum reconstruction that combines phase-cycled bSSFP images acquired at specific echo times for robust fat/water separation without banding was investigated and compared with a magnitude-based method. Bloch simulations using both single-peak and multiple-peak fat models were performed to predict the performance of these methods for a wide range of echo times and repetition times. The quality and degree of fat/water separation was evaluated in both simulations and using in vivo imaging. Simulations predicted that both effective banding-artifact suppression and substantial improvements in fat/water separation are possible at echo times that are different from conventional echo times, enabling improved spatial resolution. Comparisons between various echo times and repetition times in vivo validated the improved fat/water separation and effective banding-artifact removal predicted by the simulations. The proposed complex sum Dixon 3D bSSFP method is able to effectively separate fat and water at different sets of echo times, while removing banding-artifacts, providing a fast, high-resolution, T2 -like sequence without blurring.

Improved quantitative myocardial T2 mapping: Impact of the fitting model.

To develop an improved T2 prepared (T2 prep) balanced steady-state free-precession (bSSFP) sequence and signal relaxation curve fitting method for myocardial T2 mapping. Myocardial T2 mapping is commonly performed by acquisition of multiple T2 prep bSSFP images and estimating the voxel-wise T2 values using a two-parameter fit for relaxation. However, a two-parameter fit model does not take into account the effect of imaging pulses in a bSSFP sequence or other imperfections in T2 prep RF pulses, which may decrease the robustness of T2 mapping. Therefore, we propose a novel T2 mapping sequence that incorporates an additional image acquired with saturation preparation, simulating a very long T2 prep echo time. This enables the robust estimation of T2 maps using a 3-parameter fit model, which captures the effect of imaging pulses and other imperfections. Phantom imaging is performed to compare the T2 maps generated using the proposed 3-parameter model with the conventional two-parameter model, as well as a spin echo reference. In vivo imaging is performed on eight healthy subjects to compare the different fitting models. Phantom and in vivo data show that the T2 values generated by the proposed 3-parameter model fitting do not change with different choices of the T2 prep echo times, and are not statistically different than the reference values for the phantom (P = 0.10 with three T2 prep echoes). The two-parameter model exhibits dependence on the choice of T2 prep echo times and are significantly different than the reference values (P = 0.01 with three T2 prep echoes). The proposed imaging sequence in combination with a three-parameter model allows accurate measurement of myocardial T2 values, which is independent of number and duration of T2 prep echo times. Magn Reson Med 74:93-105, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Self-gated bSSFP sequences to detect iron-labeled cancer cells and/or metastases in vivo in mouse liver at 7 Tesla

To develop and evaluate three-dimensional (3D) self-gated balanced steady state free precession (bSSFP) imaging at high magnetic fields to track iron-labeled cells and metastases in murine abdomens. Mice were injected intravenously with iron-labeled melanoma cells and imaged at 7 Tesla (T). Respiration peaks were identified using Free Induction Decay acquired immediately after the radiofrequency pulse. Respiration-corrupted k-space lines were deleted. Four images were acquired to reconstruct final images using the Sum-Of-Square technique. Image sharpness, metastasis contrast and iron-labeled cell detection with SG-bSSFP sequence (acquired with echo time [TE] = 3 ms or TE = 6 ms) were compared with standard methods (gradient echo (GRE) and RARE). After reconstruction, the 3D SG-bSSFP images were 75-80% sharper, free from banding (75% liver signal-to-noise ratio recovery) and respiratory motion (26-42% improvement in signal homogeneity) artifacts. Metastasis contrast was twice higher on SG-bSSFP with TE = 3 ms than on RARE images. Iron-labeled cells and metastases were simultaneously detected on SG-bSSFP images with TE = 6 ms, with similar void intensity and tumor contrast to GRE and RARE, respectively. Halving acquisition time preserved iron sensitivity and metastasis contrast, allowing for 3D abdomen imaging in 13 min (TE = 3 ms) or 26 min (TE = 6 ms). Combining a self-gating technique with bSSFP sequences at 7T provides high-resolution 3D artifact-free abdominal images of small animals.

Generating multiple contrasts using single-shot radial T1 sensitive and insensitive steady-state imaging.

Recently, the (Resolution Enhanced-) T1 insensitive steady-state imaging (TOSSI) approach has been proposed for the fast acquisition of T2 -weighted images. This has been achieved by balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) imaging between unequally spaced inversion pulses. The purpose of this work is to present an extension of this technique, considerably increasing both the efficiency and possibilities of TOSSI. A radial trajectory in combination with an appropriate view-sharing reconstruction is used. Because each projection traverses the contrast defining k-space center, several different contrasts can be extracted from a single-shot measurement. These contrasts include various T2 -weightings and T2 /T1 -weighting if an even number of inversion pulses is used, while an odd number allow the generation of several images with predefined tissue types cancelled. The approach is validated for brain and abdominal imaging at 3.0 Tesla. Results are compared with RE-TOSSI, bSSFP, and turbo spin-echo images and are shown to provide similar contrasts in a fraction of scan time. Furthermore, the potential utility of the approach is illustrated by images obtained from a brain tumor patient. Radial T1 sensitive and insensitive steady-state imaging is able to generate multiple contrasts out of one single-shot measurement in a short scan time.

MO‐G‐18C‐01: BEST IN PHYSICS (IMAGING) – Novel Correction of Signal Modulation and Motion Artifacts in Temporal Bone BSSFP MRI

Purpose:Phase cycled balanced steady state free precession (bSSFP) magnetic resonance (MR) images demonstrate high contrast in the temporal bone region, but are limited by motion artifacts stemming from globe motion, CSF and carotid artery pulsation, and by signal loss/modulation typical of bSSFP imaging of complex tissue environments. We sought to generate images delineating the fine morphology of temporal bone structures while minimizing signal loss and motion artifacts.Methods:Four axial 3D bSSFP MR images with Δθ = 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270° phase cycling respectively were acquired with a Philips Ingenia 3T MRI scanner in 2.3 minutes of total scan time. Other parameters included a 30° flip angle applied with a transmit/receive radiofrequency head coil, TE/TR = 4.2/2.1ms, receiver bandwidth = 890 Hz/pixel, and 180/180/120 matrix size and 1/1/1 mm voxel size along frequency/phase/slice directions. Complex image data were input into the Geometric Solution (GS) algorithm for calculation of artifact‐free bSSFP signal on a pixel‐by‐pixel basis. SNR was improved by linearizing the solution in a second‐pass regional optimization.Results:The GS eliminated the bSSFP signal intensity modulations while minimizing motion artifacts present in the original four images. The efficacy of the GS is validated through comparison with a complex average of the four original bSSFP images; unlike the GS, the complex average only moderates artifacts.Conclusion:The GS represents a novel method of correcting bSSFP MRI signal modulation and motion artifacts while maintaining contrast near the temporal bone. The technique is fast, easy to implement, and requires minimal post‐processing. This technique may inspire early clinical adoption, as it overcomes two major artifactual obstacles which have historically limited the widespread use of bSSFP MRI.

Balanced steady state-free precession (b-SSFP) imaging for MRCP: techniques and applications

Balanced steady state-free precession (b-SSFP) pulse sequences have a number of properties which can be useful in magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), including short acquisition times, high signal-to-noise ratios, and T2/T1 contrast weighting. The utility and versatility of b-SSFP sequences for MRCP imaging are probably underappreciated, and this pictorial essay briefly discusses benefits and limitations of 2D and 3D b-SSFP techniques used in place of or in addition to conventional single-shot fast spin echo or 3D fast spin echo acquisitions and illustrates their appearance in several clinical cases.

Ultrahigh-Resolution Imaging of the Human Brain with Phase-Cycled Balanced Steady-State Free Precession at 7 T

The objectives of this study were to acquire ultra-high resolution images of the brain using balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) at 7 T and to identify the potential utility of this sequence. Eight volunteers participated in this study after providing informed consent. Each volunteer was scanned with 8 phase cycles of bSSFP at 0.4-mm isotropic resolution using 0.5 number of excitations and 2-dimensional parallel acceleration of 1.75 × 1.75. Each phase cycle required 5 minutes of scanning, with pauses between the phase cycles allowing short periods of rest. The individual phase cycles were aligned and then averaged. The same volunteers underwent scanning using 3-dimensional (3D) multiecho gradient recalled echo at 0.8-mm isotropic resolution, 3D Cube T2 at 0.7-mm isotropic resolution, and thin-section coronal oblique T2-weighted fast spin echo at 0.22 × 0.22 × 2.0-mm resolution for comparison. Two neuroradiologists assessed image quality and potential research and clinical utility. The volunteers generally tolerated the scan sessions well, and composite high-resolution bSSFP images were produced for each volunteer. Rater analysis demonstrated that bSSFP had a superior 3D visualization of the microarchitecture of the hippocampus, very good contrast to delineate the borders of the subthalamic nucleus, and relatively good B1 homogeneity throughout. In addition to an excellent visualization of the cerebellum, subtle details of the brain and skull base anatomy were also easier to identify on the bSSFP images, including the line of Gennari, membrane of Liliequist, and cranial nerves. Balanced steady-state free precession had a strong iron contrast similar to or better than the comparison sequences. However, cortical gray-white contrast was significantly better with Cube T2 and T2-weighted fast spin echo. Balanced steady-state free precession can facilitate ultrahigh-resolution imaging of the brain. Although total imaging times are long, the individually short phase cycles can be acquired separately, improving examination tolerability. These images may be beneficial for studies of the hippocampus, iron-containing structures such as the subthalamic nucleus and line of Gennari, and the basal cisterns and their contents.

In vivo MR detection of fluorine-labeled human MSC using the bSSFP sequence.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are used to restore deteriorated cell environments. There is a need to specifically track these cells following transplantation in order to evaluate different methods of implantation, to follow their migration within the body, and to quantify their accumulation at the target. Cellular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using fluorine-based nanoemulsions is a great means to detect these transplanted cells in vivo because of the high specificity for fluorine detection and the capability for precise quantification. This technique, however, has low sensitivity, necessitating improvement in MR sequences. To counteract this issue, the balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) imaging sequence can be of great interest due to the high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Furthermore, it can be applied to obtain 3D images within short acquisition times. In this paper, bSSFP provided accurate quantification of samples of the perfluorocarbon Cell Sense-labeled cells in vitro. Cell Sense was internalized by human MSC (hMSC) without adverse alterations in cell viability or differentiation into adipocytes/osteocytes. The bSSFP sequence was applied in vivo to track and quantify the signals from both Cell Sense-labeled and iron-labeled hMSC after intramuscular implantation. The fluorine signal was observed to decrease faster and more significantly than the volume of iron-associated voids, which points to the advantage of quantifying the fluorine signal and the complexity of quantifying signal loss due to iron.

Resting-state fMRI using passband balanced steady-state free precession.

ObjectiveResting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI) has been increasingly used for understanding brain functional architecture. To date, most rsfMRI studies have exploited blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) contrast using gradient-echo (GE) echo planar imaging (EPI), which can suffer from image distortion and signal dropout due to magnetic susceptibility and inherent long echo time. In this study, the feasibility of passband balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) imaging for distortion-free and high-resolution rsfMRI was investigated.MethodsrsfMRI was performed in humans at 3 T and in rats at 7 T using bSSFP with short repetition time (TR = 4/2.5 ms respectively) in comparison with conventional GE-EPI. Resting-state networks (RSNs) were detected using independent component analysis.Results and SignificanceRSNs derived from bSSFP images were shown to be spatially and spectrally comparable to those derived from GE-EPI images with considerable intra- and inter-subject reproducibility. High-resolution bSSFP images corresponded well to the anatomical images, with RSNs exquisitely co-localized to the gray matter. Furthermore, RSNs at areas of severe susceptibility such as human anterior prefrontal cortex and rat piriform cortex were proved accessible. These findings demonstrated for the first time that passband bSSFP approach can be a promising alternative to GE-EPI for rsfMRI. It offers distortion-free and high-resolution RSNs and is potentially suited for high field studies.

Dynamically phase‐cycled radial balanced SSFP imaging for efficient banding removal

Balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) imaging suffers from banding artifacts due to its inherent sensitivity to inhomogeneities in the main magnetic field. These artifacts can be removed by the acquisition of multiple images at different frequency offsets. However, conventional phase-cycling is hindered by a long scan time. The purpose of this work is to present a novel approach for efficient banding removal in bSSFP imaging. To this end, the phase-cycle during a single-shot radial acquisition of an image was dynamically changed. Thus, each projection is acquired with a different frequency offset. Using conventional radial gridding, an artifact-free image can be reconstructed out of this dataset. The approach is validated at clinical field strength [3.0 Tesla (T)] as well as at ultrahigh field (9.4T). Robust elimination of banding artifacts was obtained for different imaging regions, including brain imaging at ultrahigh field with an in-plane resolution of 0.25 × 0.25 mm(2). Besides banding artifact-free imaging, the applicability of the proposed technique for fat-water separation is demonstrated. Dynamically phase-cycled radial bSSFP has the potential for banding-free bSSFP imaging in a short scan time, in the presence of severe field inhomogeneities and at high resolution.

Banding artifact removal for bSSFP imaging with an elliptical signal model

Balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) imaging has broad clinical applications by virtue of its high time efficiency and desirable contrast. Unfortunately, banding artifact is often seen as a result of signal modulation due to B0 inhomogeneity. This study aims to develop an effective method for banding artifact suppression. bSSFP is analyzed with an elliptical signal model. A simple analytical "Geometric-Solution" (GS) is presented to demodulate the signal from B0 inhomogeneity dependence with phase-cycled bSSFP data from both a computer simulation and experiments using phantom and human subjects. The proposed algorithm is able to remove banding artifacts completely. It also compares favorably with the complex sum (CS), which is considered one of the more efficient methods for banding artifact correction. Using an elliptical signal model, an analytical solution to the bSSFP banding problem has been found and demonstrated with simulation as well as phantom and in vivo experiments.

Instantaneous Signal Loss simulation (InSiL) - an alternative algorithm for myocardial T1 mapping using the MOLLI sequence

Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA Full list of author information is available at the end of the article Figure 1 (a) illustration of the InSiL model. The longitudinal signal perturbation by each single-shot bSSFP imaging is simulated as instantaneous signal loss parameterized by factor C. (b) The short axis slice T1 maps of normal myocardium by the standard MOLLI approach and by InSiL at 1.5T, and the heart rate of this volunteer was 69 bpm. The average myocardial T1 based on InSiL was 20 ms higher than MOLLI (934 ± 28 ms vs. 914 ± 25 ms). Shao et al. Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance 2014, 16(Suppl 1):P26 http://www.jcmr-online.com/content/16/S1/P26

High spatial resolution brain functional MRI using submillimeter balanced steady-state free precession acquisitiona)

One of the technical advantages of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is its precise localization of changes from neuronal activities. While current practice of fMRI acquisition at voxel size around 3 × 3 × 3 mm(3) achieves satisfactory results in studies of basic brain functions, higher spatial resolution is required in order to resolve finer cortical structures. This study investigated spatial resolution effects on brain fMRI experiments using balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) imaging with 0.37 mm(3) voxel volume at 3.0 T. In fMRI experiments, full and unilateral visual field 5 Hz flashing checkerboard stimulations were given to healthy subjects. The bSSFP imaging experiments were performed at three different frequency offsets to widen the coverage, with functional activations in the primary visual cortex analyzed using the general linear model. Variations of the spatial resolution were achieved by removing outer k-space data components. Results show that a reduction in voxel volume from 3.44 × 3.44 × 2 mm(3) to 0.43 × 0.43 × 2 mm(3) has resulted in an increase of the functional activation signals from (7.7 ± 1.7)% to (20.9 ± 2.0)% at 3.0 T, despite of the threefold SNR decreases in the original images, leading to nearly invariant functional contrast-to-noise ratios (fCNR) even at high spatial resolution. Activation signals aligning nicely with gray matter sulci at high spatial resolution would, on the other hand, have possibly been mistaken as noise at low spatial resolution. It is concluded that the bSSFP sequence is a plausible technique for fMRI investigations at submillimeter voxel widths without compromising fCNR. The reduction of partial volume averaging with nonactivated brain tissues to retain fCNR is uniquely suitable for high spatial resolution applications such as the resolving of columnar organization in the brain.

Parameter estimation approach to banding artifact reduction in balanced steady‐state free precession

The balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) pulse sequence has shown to be of great interest due to its high signal-to-noise ratio efficiency. However, bSSFP images often suffer from banding artifacts due to off-resonance effects, which we aim to minimize in this article. We present a general and fast two-step algorithm for 1) estimating the unknowns in the bSSFP signal model from multiple phase-cycled acquisitions, and 2) reconstructing band-free images. The first step, linearization for off-resonance estimation (LORE), solves the nonlinear problem approximately by a robust linear approach. The second step applies a Gauss-Newton algorithm, initialized by LORE, to minimize the nonlinear least squares criterion. We name the full algorithm LORE-GN. We derive the Cramér-Rao bound, a theoretical lower bound of the variance for any unbiased estimator, and show that LORE-GN is statistically efficient. Furthermore, we show that simultaneous estimation of T1 and T2 from phase-cycled bSSFP is difficult, since the Cramér-Rao bound is high at common signal-to-noise ratio. Using simulated, phantom, and in vivo data, we illustrate the band-reduction capabilities of LORE-GN compared to other techniques, such as sum-of-squares. Using LORE-GN we can successfully minimize banding artifacts in bSSFP.

Variable flip angle balanced steady‐state free precession for lower SAR or higher contrast cardiac cine imaging

Cardiac cine balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) imaging uses a high flip angle (FA) to obtain high blood-myocardium signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR). Use of high FAs, however, results in substantially increased SAR. Our objective was to develop a variable FA bSSFP cardiac cine imaging technique with: (1) low SAR and blood-myocardium CNR similar to conventional constant FA bSSFP (CFA-bSSFP) or (2) increased blood-myocardium CNR compared to CFA-bSSFP with similar SAR. Variable FA bSSFP cardiac cine imaging was achieved using an asynchronous k-space acquisition, which is asynchronous to the cardiac cycle (aVFA-bSSFP). Bloch simulations and phantom experiments were performed to compare the signal, resolution, and frequency response of the variable FA bSSFP and CFA-bSSFP schemes. Ten volunteers were imaged with different aVFA-bSSFP and asynchronous CFA-bSSFP schemes and compared to conventional segmented CFA-bSSFP. The SAR of aVFA-bSSFP is significantly decreased by 36% compared to asynchronous CFA-bSSFP (1.9 ± 0.2 vs. 3.0 ± 0.2 W/kg, P < 10(-10)) for similar blood-myocardium CNR (34 ± 6 vs. 35 ± 9, P = 0.5). Alternately, the CNR of the aVFA-bSSFP is improved by 28% compared to asynchronous CFA-bSSFP (49 ± 9 vs. 38 ± 8, P < 10(-4)) with similar SAR (3.2 ± 0.5 vs. 3.3 ± 0.5 W/kg, P = 0.6). aVFA-bSSFP can be used for lower SAR or higher contrast cardiac cine imaging compared to the conventional segmented CFA-bSSFP imaging.

Monitoring and compensating phase imperfections in cine balanced steady‐state free precession

To analyze and correct for eddy current-induced phase imperfections in cardiac cine balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) imaging. Eddy current-induced phase offsets were measured for different phase-encoding schemes using a higher order dynamic field camera. Based on these measurements, offset phases were corrected for in postprocessing and by run-time phase compensation applying radiofrequency phase increments and additional compensatory gradient areas. The findings were validated using numerical simulations, phantom experiments, and in vivo cardiac scans. Depending on the phase-encoding scheme, significant eddy current-induced phase offsets were detected. Time-varying phase offsets were observed at subsequent excitations leading to steady-state distortions and hence to profile-dependent amplitude modulations in k-space. Taking into account measured k-space trajectories algebraic image reconstruction allowed compensating imperfect spatial encoding. Correction of amplitude modulations was successfully accomplished by run-time phase compensation. Using magnetic field monitoring, artifacts in cine balanced steady-state free precession caused by uncompensated eddy current fields can be significantly reduced.

Fast and fully automatic calibration of frequency offset for balanced steady-state free precession cardiovascular magnetic resonance at 3.0 Tesla.

BackgroundThis study proposed a fast and fully automatic calibration system to suppress the dark banding artifacts in balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) at 3.0 T.MethodsTwenty-one healthy volunteers (18 men, 3 women; mean age 24.9 years) participated in this study after providing institutionally approved consent. The optimal frequency was obtained using sweep scans of transition-band low flip-angle bSSFP (bSSFP-L), performed with three conditions: breath-hold plus electrocardiography (ECG) triggering (BH + ECG), breath-hold only (BH), and free breathing (FB). A real-time feedback system was implemented to allow the performing of bSSFP-L calibration scanning and conventional cine bSSFP within one breath-hold. For each scan condition, the optimal phase was estimated using 20-point and 10-point spline fitting.ResultsLinear regression analysis indicated high correlation between the optimal phases obtained using BH and FB and those obtained using BH + ECG (R2 = 0.91 to 0.98, n = 21). The optimal phases obtained using 10-point datasets showed high correlation with the 20-point BH + ECG datasets (R2 = 0.92 to 0.99, n = 21); although the within-subject coefficient of variation (wsCV) was larger using 10-point fitting. The variation of repeated measurements was largest with FB acquisition and smallest with BH + ECG acquisition. The optimal frequency obtained by offline calculation and by real-time feedback calibration significantly reduced dark-band artifacts in cine bSSFP images (both p < .01).ConclusionsThe proposed real-time feedback calibration method for bSSFP imaging is rapid and fully automatic. This method could greatly reduce dark-band artifacts in bSSFP images and facilitate clinical CMR at 3.0 T.

Single breathhold 3D balanced SSFP coronary MRA at 3.0T: a reproducibility study

Background Balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) imaging [1] has developed as the method of choice for coronary MRA at 1.5T. The bSSFP acquisition, however, is especially susceptible to static magnetic field (B0) inhomogeneities and radio frequency transmit field (B1+) distortions, both of which are more pronounced at higher field strengths, resulting in degraded and variable image quality at 3.0T compared to 1.5T. Although modified bSSFP sequences have been recently developed [2], these modified implementations too come with notable drawbacks such as longer scan time and lower SNR compared with conventional bSSFP. Therefore, the adoption of bSSFP at 3.0T is still quite limited and it has led to reutilization of spoiled gradient echo techniques at 3.0T, sometimes at the expense of using contrast agents [3]. Recent advances in hardware and software, such as 32-channel receive coils, multitransmit systems, and localized shimming, may however improve the performance of bSSFP at 3.0T. The purpose of this work was to develop an accelerated single breathhold bSSFP sequence at 3.0T taking advantage of these advances, and to test reproducibility of the implemented sequence.