Comparison of MSG-EPI and 3D-BTFE sequences in non-enhanced coronary magnetic resonance imaging

Motivation: Non-contrast enhanced coronary MRA is a non-invasive and non-ionizing radiation imaging technology. 3D-BTFE is the most commonly used coronary MRA sequence but is time-consuming. Goal(s): We compared the MSG-EPI and 3D-BTFE sequences and evaluated the value of MSG-EPI. Approach: The differences of image score, SNR and CNR between the two sequences were compared. Results: We found that the image score, SNR, and CNR differ between MSG-EPI and 3D-BTFE. In lumen display of RCA and LAD, image scores of MSG-EPI were sufficient to attach diagnostic requirements and there was no significant difference in SNR. However, the CNR of 3D-BTFE was significantly higher than MSG-EPI. Impact: This study compared MSG-EPI and 3D-BTFE sequences and found that although MSG-EPI 's image quality is slightly inferior to 3D-BTFE 's, its advantage of rapid imaging makes it promising in clinical applications.