Practical recommendations
M. Neuss, B. Schnackenburg
Basic LV anatomy
We use a steady state free precession (SSFP) sequence to image LV anatomy and function. Spatial and temporal resolution should be: inplane
resolution > 2 mm, slice thickness £ 10 mm,
temporal resolution £ 40 ms.
Name of scan
Sequence type
Comment
Survey
SSFP
Pseudo RAO
SSFP
3 stacks, coronal,
transversal, sagittal
1 slice, multi phase,
single angulation
1 slice, multi phase,
double angulation
Pseudo
SSFP
4 chamber (4ch)
The Survey is used to locate the heart and for
the planning of the following scans. Pseudo
RAO and Pseudo 4ch view are used to correct
for the angulation of the heart relative to the
anatomical axes of the body.
In patients with visually normal or slightly
reduced global LV function we only determine
area length ejection fraction from a 4-chamber
view.
n Basic protocol
Name of scan
Sequence type
Comment
Short axis (SA)
SSFP
3 slices, apical,
equatorial, basal
1 slice
1 slice
1 slice
4 chamber
SSFP
3 chamber (3ch) SSFP
2 chamber 2(ch) SSFP
In patients with moderately or severely reduced
LV function, regional wall motion abnormalities, or specific indications we determine volume ejection fraction from a full SA data set.
n Extended protocol
Name of scan
Sequence type
Comment
Short axis (SA)
SSFP
4 chamber
3 chamber
2 chamber
SSFP
SSFP
SSFP
12–15 slices, no gap,
from apex to base
1 slice
1 slice
1 slice
This group of scans builds the basis for any following imaging procedure of the heart. They
cover the 17 myocardial segments defined by
the Writing Group on Myocardial Segmentation
and Registration for Cardiac Imaging of the
American Heart Association.