Temporal dynamics of blood flow effects in half-Fourier fast spin echo (1)H magnetic resonance imaging of the human lungs

A cardiac-triggered half-Fourier single-shot turbo spin echo (HASTE) technique is currently the method of choice for MR imaging of the lung parenchyma without the use of exogenous contrast agents. In this study, we specifically examined the effects of the cardiac cycle on the HASTE signal intensity of the lungs. Images were obtained from six healthy human volunteers at an end expiration breath-hold using a HASTE sequence and a variable cardiac-triggered delay time. Analysis of the data sets showed a 30% decrease in the lung signal intensity during systole, and a 15% decrease during mid-diastole. These decreases correlate with phases of the cardiac cycle when the blood flow in the lungs is expected to be greatest. Misregistration artifacts, particularly from the pulmonary arteries and aorta, are worse during these periods of signal decrease. To minimize cardiac dependent signal losses, HASTE lung imaging should be performed after systole but before rapid filling of the ventricles.