Myocardial delayed enhancement using parallel imaging with an overlapping partial-Fourier acquisition and variable k-space segmentation

Introduction Myocardial delayed enhancement (E) using T1-weighted inversion-recovery gradient-echo imaging has become the gold standard for assessing myocardial viability. One drawback of the technique is the requirement for multiple long breath holds in order to cover the entire heart. Such an acquisition can be difficult for the patient and may cause degraded image quality. Partial Fourier and parallel imaging can be used to reduce scan time; however, both approaches noticeably reduce the already low signal-tonoise ratio (SNR) and can potentially introducing additional artifacts.