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.