Coronary artery imaging: 3D segmented k-space data acquisition with multiple breath-holds and real-time slab following

The purpose of this work was to develop a multiple‐breath‐hold (BH) imaging method for coronary arteries in which a segment of k‐space is acquired in each BH. The goal was to increase the resolution, or the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and coverage, of three‐dimensional‐(3D)‐BH volume‐targeted scanning (VCATS). To correct for slab position differences, a real‐time slab following technique using navigator echoes for motion detection was used. Sixteen normal volunteers were imaged to compare the method with a single‐BH scan. Results showed that higher resolution, or larger coverage and higher SNR, were achieved by the multiple‐BH method without respiratory motion artifacts. In conclusion, 3D segmented k‐space data acquisition with multiple‐BHs and real‐time slab following is a promising approach for extending the capabilities of VCATS further. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;13:301–307. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.