Comparison of iNAV-based Free-Breathing Non-Contrast Coronary Magnetic Resonance Angiography Acquired at 0.7mm3 and 0.9mm3 Resolution

Motivation: Coronary artery disease remains a significant problem worldwide and current methods for anatomical assessment involve ionising radiation and iodinated contrast agents. Goal(s): To develop a novel free-breathing, 3D whole-heart, coronary magnetic resonance angiography sequence with high spatial resolution for the assessment of coronary anatomy and coronary artery disease. Approach: Nine patients referred for assessment of suspected coronary artery disease were scanned using the proposed sequence at 1.5T. Acquisitions at 0.9mm3 and 0.7mm3 were compared. Results: The 0.7mm3 acquisition demonstrated improved qualitative and semi-quantitative vessel visualisation and coronary stenosis detection compared with 0.9mm3 acquisition in an average scan time of <14 minutes. Impact: This work demonstrates improved coronary artery lumen visualisation and stenosis detection compared to 0.9mm3 acquisitions, providing a further step forward towards clinical adoption as a contrast- and radiation-free alternative to CTCA.