Key result
2D b-SSFP provides higher image quality scores than 3D b-SSFP for LA and PV anatomy.
Why the study?
Does 2D b-SSFP improve image quality compared to 3D b-SSFP for non-contrast-enhanced MRI of pulmonary venous and left atrial anatomy?
Cross-Sectional (n=11)
Does 2D b-SSFP improve image quality compared to 3D b-SSFP for non-contrast-enhanced MRI of pulmonary venous and left atrial anatomy?
Absolute Event Rate: 19% vs 12%
p-value: p=0.004
2D b-SSFP sequences provide superior visualization of pulmonary venous and left atrial anatomy compared to 3D b-SSFP in non-contrast-enhanced MRI, which may be useful for AF ablation planning.
Supports 2D b-SSFP for superior left atrial/pulmonary venous imaging in AF ablation planning; leaves open prospective validation.
BACKGROUND: Usually, the pulmonary venous and left atrial (PV-LA) anatomy is assessed with contrast-enhanced computed tomographic imaging for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). A non-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging method has not been established. Three-dimensional balanced steady-state free precession (3D b-SSFP) sequences cannot visualize the PV-LA anatomy simultaneously because of the signal intensity defect of pulmonary veins. We compared two-dimensional (2D) b-SSFP sequences with 3D b-SSFP sequences in depicting the PV-LA anatomy with non-contrast-enhanced MR imaging for AF ablation. METHODS: Eleven healthy volunteers underwent non-contrast-enhanced MR imaging with 3D b-SSFP and 2D b-SSFP sequences. The MR images were reconstructed on the 3D PV-LA surface image. Two experienced radiological technicians independently scored the multiplanar reformatted (MPR) images on a scale of 1-4 (from 1, not visualized, to 4, excellent definition). The overall score was a sum of 5 segments (LA and 4 PVs). RESULTS: In the 2D b-SSFP method, MR imaging was successfully performed, and the 3D PV-LA surface image was precisely reconstructed in all healthy volunteers. The image score was significantly higher in the 2D b-SSFP method compared to the 3D b-SSFP method (19 [19; 20] vs. 12 [11; 15], p=0.004, for both observers). No PV signal intensity defects occurred in the 2D b-SSFP method. CONCLUSIONS: The 2D b-SSFP sequence was more useful than the 3D b-SSFP sequence in adequately depicting the PV-LA anatomy.
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Shigenaga et al. (2014) conducted a cross-sectional in Healthy volunteers (n=11). 2D b-SSFP sequence vs. 3D b-SSFP sequence was evaluated on Image score of the multiplanar reformatted images (sum of 5 segments) (p=0.004). The 2D b-SSFP sequence provided significantly higher image quality scores for depicting pulmonary venous and left atrial anatomy compared to the 3D b-SSFP sequence (19 vs. 12, p=0.004).
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