High-resolution three-dimensional ANGIE T1 mapping of the whole heart

Background Assessment of fibrosis in thinner myocardial structures such as the right ventricular (RV) and left atrial walls would be valuable in disorders such as pulmonary hypertension, congenital heart disease, and atrial fibrillation. We recently developed a novel technique, termed ANGIE, which provides high-resolution 2D T1 mapping for assessment of thin structures such as the wall of the RV. However, high resolution 2D imaging is limited by lower SNR and time efficiency. A 3D image acquisition provides higher SNR and complete coverage of the heart. However standard 3D navigated techniques have prohibitively long scan times. Thus, the aim of the present study was to extend ANGIE to perform high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) T1 mapping of the whole heart within a clinically acceptable scan time.