Evaluation of global cardiac functional parameters using single-breath-hold three-dimensional cine steady-state free precession MR imaging with two types of speed-up techniques: comparison with two-dimensional cine imaging.

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of single-breath-hold three-dimensional (3D) cine cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) imaging using steady-state free precession (SSFP) and two types of speed-up techniques for evaluation of global cardiac function. Twenty-one patients with acquired cardiac diseases were enrolled and underwent two-dimensional (2D) and 3D cine cardiac SSFP MR imaging using a 1.5T unit. Sensitivity encoding (n=12) and k-t broad-use linear acquisition speed-up (BLAST; n=9) were employed for the 3D cine imaging. High correlations for cardiac functional parameters were observed between 2D and 3D cine images (P<0.0001, r>0.94). However, end-diastolic volume and ejection fraction of the left ventricle were significantly lower in the 3D cine imaging with k-t BLAST than in the 2D cine imaging (P<0.0025). On the other hand, k-t BLAST allowed for a shorter breath-holding time owing to the higher acceleration factor. In conclusion, the single-breath-hold 3D cine imaging combined with speed-up techniques provided global cardiac functional parameters comparable to 2D cine imaging.