Simultaneous Imaging of the Entire Lung and Heart with Isotropic Resolution in Free-Breathing

Motivation: Simultaneous imaging of the entire lung and heart with isotropic resolution in free-breathing allows the diagnosis of cardiopulmonary disorders with reduced scan time and minimal requirement for patient compliance. Goal(s): A technique is proposed for simultaneous acquisition of cardiopulmonary MRI with isotropic resolution in free-breathing. Approach: This technique is based on a 3D dual-echo bSSFP radial sequence, combined with SI-navigated interleaved acquisition, motion resolving, and a subspace-based motion-compensated reconstruction algorithm. Results: Five-dimensional dynamic images of the entire lung and heart with isotropic resolution of 1.5×1.5×1.5mm3 were obtained through a single free-breathing scan of less than 10 minutes. Impact: Comprehensive assessment of the structures/functions of the cardiopulmonary system and the cardiopulmonary interaction is feasible using the proposed technique in a single free-breathing scan.