3D phase contrast MRI of the coronary arteries – Improvements and adaptations at 3T

Motivation: 3D Phase contrast MRI of the coronary arteries remains challenging due to low SNR and motion. Goal(s): Develop a 3D PC sequence for flow quantification in the coronary arteries at 3T with improved SNR and reduced motion artefacts compared to 1.5T. Approach: The sequence was optimized by acquiring datasets separately, enabling inter-scan motion compensation while circumventing SAR limitations. Coronary flow was quantified in 5 subjects at 3T. Results: Phantom measurements showed reduced image artefacts using the proposed sequence. In-vivo mean peak velocities per slice along the left and right coronary arteries were 15.9±5.0cm/s and 14.1±4.9cm/s respectively. Impact: High SNR 3D flow measurements in the proximal coronary arteries are now possible, as SAR restrictions at 3T have been overcome. This may enable the non-invasive hemodynamic assessment of coronary arteries in patients with CAD.