T1 mapping of myocardium using inversion recovery cine at 3.0T

Methods The sequence, IR-rttfl, performs realtime turboflash acquisition after an inversion pulse to capture the recovery of inverted magnetization. It is immune to T1 unrelated issues (e.g., field inhomogeneity). Diastolic images (about 12) are selected for T1 calculation using [4]. A trigger delay (about 300-400 ms) is applied before the inversion pulse so that initial magnetization recovery was sampled in the first diastole. Parallel imaging (TGRAPPA rate 3) and asymmetric echo improve temporal resolution. The sequence was implemented on a 3T scanner (TIM Trio, Siemens). Its accuracy was tested in phantoms doped with gadolinium with known T1 values measured by spin echo. The technique was then evaluated in ten healthy volunteers (IRB approved with informed consent). T1 values from IR-rttfl and MOLLI were compared in four volunteers. Gadolinium contrast study was also performed on one healthy volunteer and one infarct patient. Imaging parameters: TR/TE = 2.3 ms/1.1 ms, flip angle = 5o, base matrix = 192, temporal resolution = 80-100 ms (subject dependent). The scan acquired 60 measurements in a breathhold (time < 6 s).