Optimized T2 Preparation in Non-Contrast MR Angiography for Improved Visualization of Pulmonary Vessels in Children at 3.0T

Motivation: Signal loss in non-contrast-enhanced thoracic MRI due to off-resonance artifacts precludes evaluation of pulmonary vessels, particularly in children with complex/turbulent flows at high field. Goal(s): Our goal was to restore the signal and reduce artifacts for improved visualization of pulmonary vessels at 3.0T. Approach: We introduced a T2prep pulse with 16 composite refocusing pulses “MLEV16” with shorter refocusing interval and applied it in patients with congenital heart disease at 3.0T, in comparison to standard T2prep pulse using MLEV4. Results: Visualization of the pulmonary vessels was clearly improved using the MLEV16 pre-pulse compared to standard MLEV4 T2prep at 3.0T. Impact: Non-contrast-enhanced thoracic MRI with MLEV16 pre-pulse for T2 preparation permits improved visualization of pulmonary vessels for clinical evaluation, a primary need in areas where pediatric congenital heart disease is common and high-field MRI at 3.0T becomes more accessible.