Coronary angiography and myocardial perfusion MRI using hyperpolarized water

Motivation: Conventional cardiac MRI plays an essential role in diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the image quality is limited by low SNR. Goal(s): Hyperpolarized water can address this problem and be an alternative to Gd-based MR contrast agents for coronary MR angiography (MRA) and myocardial perfusion MRI with minimal safety concerns. Approach: In this work, we demonstrate a procedure to achieve high-resolution motion-free coronary MRA and 3D whole heart myocardial perfusion quantification using hyperpolarized water. Results: The work shows that hyperpolarized water is suited as a positive contrast agent for coronary MRA and myocardial perfusion MRI. Impact: Compared to previous work on coronary MRA and myocardial perfusion MRI using hyperpolarized 13C/1H, we achieve higher spatial resolution and image quality. Despite invasive catheterisation procedures, the method can be applied in particular situations and has potential for broader use.