Comparison of 3D Whole Heart PSIR and Dixon Sequences in Detecting Left Atrial Fibrosis in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Motivation: Accurate and efficient detection of left atrial fibrosis is crucial for guiding treatment, but current imaging methods have limitations in scan time and image quality. Goal(s): To identify an optimal method for evaluating left atrial fibrosis by comparing the parameters of 3D whole-heart PSIR and Dixon sequences. Approach: Thirty patients with atrial fibrillation underwent both sequences. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), fibrosis burden, and scan time were compared. Results: The 3D Dixon sequence demonstrated superior SNR, CNR, and shorter scan times, with consistent fibrosis quantification comparable to the 3D PSIR sequence, suggesting it may be an efficient alternative. Impact: The 3D Dixon sequence provides improved image quality and efficiency in detecting left atrial fibrosis, offering potential for optimized diagnostic workflows and improved patient outcomes in atrial fibrillation management.