Mixed echo train acquisition displacement encoding with stimulated echoes: An optimized DENSE method for in vivo functional imaging of the human heart

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Abstract
Mixed echo train acquisition displacement encoding with stimulated echoes (meta‐DENSE) is a phase‐based displacement mapping technique suitable for imaging myocardial function. This method has been optimized for use with patients who have a history of myocardial infarction. The total scan time is 12–14 heartbeats for an in‐plane resolution of 2.8 × 2.8 mm2. Myocardial strain is mapped at this resolution with an accuracy of 2% strain in vivo. Compared to standard stimulated echo (STE) methods, both data acquisition speed and resolution are improved with inversion‐recovery FID suppression and the meta‐DENSE readout scheme. Data processing requires minimal user intervention and provides a rapid quantitative feedback on the MRI scanner for evaluating cardiac function. Magn Reson Med 46:523–534, 2001. Published 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.