ABSTRACT

Moreover, the same MRA techniques allow the visualization of the coronary veins anatomy, which is of interest for the optimal placement of pacemaker leads in cardiac resynchronization therapy.7,8

Amedeo Chiribiri, Markus Henningsson, Claudia Prieto, Michael Jerosch-Herold, and Rene M. Botnar

CONTENTS

1.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Technical Challenges and General Imaging Strategies for Coronary CMR ............................................................ 2

1.2.1 Compensation of Cardiac Motion: ECG Triggering ........................................................................................ 2 1.2.2 Compensation of Respiratory Motion: Navigator ............................................................................................ 2 1.2.3 Coronary Artery Imaging ................................................................................................................................... 3

1.2.3.1 Sequences ................................................................................................................................................ 3 1.2.3.2 Contrast-Enhancing Spin Preparations .............................................................................................. 4 1.2.3.3 Contrast Agents ...................................................................................................................................... 4 1.2.3.4 Recent Improvements in Acquisition Speed and Resolution .......................................................... 5

1.2.4 Coronary Vein Imaging ....................................................................................................................................... 5 1.2.5 Coronary Vessel Wall Imaging ........................................................................................................................... 5 1.2.6 Special Considerations: Intracoronary Stents ................................................................................................... 7

1.3 Clinical Applications ........................................................................................................................................................ 7 1.3.1 Coronary Artery Angiography for the Detection of CAD.............................................................................. 7 1.3.2 Coronary Anomalies and Aneurysms .............................................................................................................. 8 1.3.3 Coronary Bypass Grafts ....................................................................................................................................... 8 1.3.4 Coronary Vessel Wall Imaging ........................................................................................................................... 8 1.3.5 Coronary Vein Imaging ....................................................................................................................................... 8

1.4 Myocardial Perfusion Imaging ....................................................................................................................................... 8 1.4.1 Techniques for Magnetic Resonance Myocardial Perfusion Imaging .......................................................... 9 1.4.2 Clinical Applications .......................................................................................................................................... 12

1.5 Conclusions-Future Perspective ................................................................................................................................ 12 References .................................................................................................................................................................................. 13

This chapter provides an update on current improvements in coronary MRA as well as an overview on its current clinical usage.