Characterization of Myocardial Microstructure using DT-CMR with Ultra-High-Performance Gradient Scanner in Healthy Subjects

Motivation: DT-CMR has emerged as a promising tool for in vivo use in cardiovascular disease diagnosis, but there is currently a lack of reporting on the normal values for comparison. Goal(s): Our goal was to evaluate the possibility of performing DT-CMR with an ultra-high-performance gradient MR scanner and provide normal ranges of quantitative DT-CMR measures. Approach: Seventy healthy subjects underwent DT-CMR, and the results were compared between men and women. Results: It is feasible to perform in vivo DT-CMR with a maximum gradient strength of 200 mT/m. The MD, FA and HAT for healthy subjects are (1.54±0.02) x10-3mm2/s, 0.33±0.005 and -0.81±0.02 º/% respectively. Impact: Our study reports on the initial experience of conducting DT-CMR on a new investigational ultra-high-performance gradient scanner. The normal ranges of quantitative DT-CMR values are instrumental to establish baseline and distinguish the diseased from healthy in the future.