Enabling high SNR cardiac spin echo DTI with a Cima.X MR System featuring 200 mT/m maximum gradient strength

Motivation: SNR and parameter map accuracy in cardiac DTI are limited by maximum gradient strength related to motion-compensation and diffusion encoding time, precluding evaluation of helical cardiomyocyte structure. Goal(s): Our goal was to improve SNR and cardiac DTI tissue microstructure characterization using an MR system capable of 200mT/m maximum gradient strength. Approach: DTI was performed in human and swine subjects using standard (40mT/m), performance (80mT/m), and ultra-high-performance (200mT/m) maximum gradient strengths, with zeroth, first, and second-order motion compensating gradients. Results: SNR and DTI tissue characterization were improved with ultra-high-performance gradients, however second-order motion compensation continued to be required to prevent motion artifacts. Impact: Ultra-high performance 200mT/m gradients enable high SNR cardiac DTI with improved characterization of helical cardiomyocytes, potentially addressing the clinical need for noninvasive cardiac microstructure evaluation.