3D Phase Contrast Using Balanced Steady-State Free Precession (PC-SSFP) for Improved 4D Flow at Clinical Field Strengths.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

4D flow MRI provides comprehensive evaluation of cardiovascular flow. One major limitation of intracardiac 4D flow is poor blood-myocardial contrast. 2D phase contrast using balanced steady state free precession (PC-SSFP) methods have been demonstrated to provide accurate velocity, with enhanced contrast and SNR. In this work, we extended our 2D PC-SSFP to 4D flow at clinical field strengths, and tested it for diastolic evaluation.

Methods

The 4D flow sequence with four-point encoding was modified to have 0th and 1st moment gradient nulling over each TR to achieve bSSFP contrast. Pixel-wise velocities were validated in a flow phantom at 3 T. Mitral inflow peak velocity (E, A, e') and stroke volume (SV) were compared in 14 scan (13 healthy subjects at 3 T, with one su

SUBMITTER: Xiang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12919757 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature