Unsupervised free-breathing 3-dimensional imaging of morphology, function and flow in congenital heart disease under 30 minutes: pilot study

Methods Five patients with CHD were included in this pilot study (table 2 in Figure 2). The FB MR studies were performed on a Philips Acheiva 1.5T magnet using a 5-channel phased array coil (see Table 1 in Figure 1) 1. Respiratory synchronized [1], time-resolved MRA 2. Equilibrium phase MRA 3. 3D cine SSFP 4.4D phase contrast (PC) flow imaging 5.3D whole-heart single phase SSFP (coronary) Comparative data was obtained using conventional 2D cine RT SSFP sequences [2] in the VLA, 4 chamber and short axis planes, and 2D PC imaging. Data Analysis: Image quality assessment and quantitative volumetric and flow analysis were performed by three blinded, experienced users. MRA images were graded using a semi-quantitative scale from 1-5 for relevant imaging targets in CHD [1], with 1: excellent, no limitations, and 5: non-diagnostic. The clinical scoring system for 2D and 3D cine SSFP was based on bloodmyocardial contrast, endocardial edge definition and inter-slice alignment [2]. Paired t-test analysis was performed on LV and RV volumes obtained by an experienced observer using the same software