Fetal 3D cardiovascular cine image acquisition using radial sampling and compressed sensing

Abstract

Purpose To explore a fetal 3D cardiovascular cine acquisition using a radial image acquisition and compressed‐sensing reconstruction and compare image quality and scan time with conventional multislice 2D imaging. Methods Volumetric fetal cardiac data were acquired in 26 volunteers using a radial 3D balanced SSFP pulse sequence. Cardiac gating was performed using a Doppler ultrasound device. Images were reconstructed using a parallel‐imaging and compressed‐sensing algorithm. Multiplanar reformatting to standard cardiac views was performed before image analysis. Clinical 2D images were used for comparison. Qualitative and quantitative image evaluation were performed by two experienced observers (scale: 1–4). Volumes, mass, and function were assessed. Results Average scan time for the 3D imaging was 6 min, including one localizer. A 2D imaging stack covering the entire heart including localizer sequences took at least 6.5 min, depending on planning complexity. The 3D acquisition was successful in 7 of 26 subjects (27%). Overall image contrast and perceived resolution were lower in the 3D images. Nonetheless, the 3D images had, on average, a moderate cardiac diagnostic quality (median [range]: 3 [1–4]). Standard clinical 2D acquisitions had a high cardiac diagnostic quality (median [range]: 4 [3, 4]). Cardiac measurements were not different between 2D and 3D images (all p > 0.16). Conclusion The presented free‐breathing whole‐heart fetal 3D radial cine MRI acquisition and reconstruction method enables retrospective visualization of all cardiac views while keeping examination times short. This proof‐of‐concept work produced images with diagnostic quality, while at the same time reducing the planning complexity to a single localizer.

Reference Values for Fetal Cardiac Dimensions, Volumes, Ventricular Function and Left Ventricular Longitudinal Strain Using Doppler Ultrasound Gated Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Healthy Third Trimester Fetuses

“…There is limited published cardiac MRI data for volumes; however, our data appears to agree with prior MRI work when considering differences in imaging techniques and study populations. 22,23 This study fills a gap in knowledge regarding the comprehensive description of fetal cardiac MRI structural values in normal healthy third trimester fetuses.…”

“…Another recent MRI paper using cine image acquisition using radial sampling and compressed sensing has described ventricular volumes and function. 22 The sample size is smaller than this cohort and includes several patients with known cardiac pathology including LV hypoplasia. The LV mean end diastolic and systolic volumes were 2.6 mL and 1.4 mL respectively, while the RV end diastolic and systolic volumes were 9.2 mL and 4.2 mL respectively.…”

“…When accounting for the difference in gestational age between the two studies, the correspondence of the measurements in this study with the results of newborn neonates is encouraging. Another recent MRI paper using cine image acquisition using radial sampling and compressed sensing has described ventricular volumes and function 22 . The sample size is smaller than this cohort and includes several patients with known cardiac pathology including LV hypoplasia.…”