High-resolution myocardial T(1) mapping using single-shot inversion recovery fast low-angle shot MRI with radial undersampling and iterative reconstruction

OBJECTIVE: To develop a novel method for rapid myocardial T(1) mapping at high spatial resolution. METHODS: The proposed strategy represents a single-shot inversion recovery experiment triggered to early diastole during a brief breath-hold. The measurement combines an adiabatic inversion pulse with a real-time readout by highly undersampled radial FLASH, iterative image reconstruction and T(1) fitting with automatic deletion of systolic frames. The method was implemented on a 3-T MRI system using a graphics processing unit-equipped bypass computer for online application. Validations employed a T(1) reference phantom including analyses at simulated heart rates from 40 to 100 beats per minute. In vivo applications involved myocardial T(1) mapping in short-axis views of healthy young volunteers. RESULTS: At 1-mm in-plane resolution and 6-mm section thickness, the inversion recovery measurement could be shortened to 3 s without compromising T(1) quantitation. Phantom studies demonstrated T(1) accuracy and high precision for values ranging from 300 to 1500 ms and up to a heart rate of 100 beats per minute. Similar results were obtained in vivo yielding septal T(1) values of 1246 ± 24 ms (base), 1256 ± 33 ms (mid-ventricular) and 1288 ± 30 ms (apex), respectively (mean ± standard deviation, n = 6). CONCLUSION: Diastolic myocardial T(1) mapping with use of single-shot inversion recovery FLASH offers high spatial resolution, T(1) accuracy and precision, and practical robustness and speed. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: The proposed method will be beneficial for clinical applications relying on native and post-contrast T(1) quantitation.