Navigator-gated Simultaneous Multi-Slice STEAM Diffusion Tensor Cardiac Magnetic Resonance

Motivation: Low scanning efficiency of stimulated echo acquisition mode (STEAM) diffusion tensor cardiac magnetic resonance images (DT-CMR) limits its clinical translation. Goal(s): We aimed to improve the slice coverage efficiency of DT-CMR utilizing simultaneous multi-slice (SMS) techniques. Approach: The navigator-gated (Nav) SMS STEAM acquisition, integrated with a biofeedback system, was introduced, enabling controlled breathing and respiratory motion compensation. Results: Nav SMS STEAM acquisition reduced scanning time by 46±6% compared to single-band (SB) acquisition. No significant difference in global mean MD and FA was observed, but a lower median |E2A| was noted for the SMS basal slice. Impact: Our proposed Nav SMS STEAM acquisition would reduce the total breath-hold duration of STEAM DT-CMR acquisitions, enhancing clinical feasibility. Improved efficiency could also lead to whole heart coverage in DT-CMR scans, essential for example, in myocardial infarction.