Feasibility of high b value in vivo cardiac diffusion in humans with ultra-high gradient strength scanner

Motivation: New technology allows for higher gradient strengths and therefore higher b-values to be used in cardiac diffusion tensor imaging (cDTI). Goal(s): To compare cDTI parameter maps for the current standard and increased b-values both qualitatively and quantitatively. Approach: Two cDTI datasets with b=500 s/mm2 and b=1000s/mm2 were acquired from nine healthy subjects. The resulting DTI parameter maps were compared through visual analysis and a series of paired t-tests. Results: Both qualitative and quantitative data between parameter maps show improved detail and higher precision in high b-value data compared to standard b-value data. Impact: A new ultra-high-performance 3T MR system allows for higher diffusion gradients and b-values. Our study shows high b-values (b=1000 s/mm2) lead to higher levels of detail and precision in cardiac DTI of healthy subjects compared to standard b-values (b=500 s/mm2).