Effect of improving spatial or temporal resolution on image quality and quantitative perfusion assessment with k‐t SENSE acceleration in first‐pass CMR myocardial perfusion imaging

k‐t Sensitivity‐encoded (k‐t SENSE) acceleration has been used to improve spatial resolution, temporal resolution, and slice coverage in first‐pass cardiac magnetic resonance myocardial perfusion imaging. This study compares the effect of investing the speed‐up afforded by k‐t SENSE acceleration in spatial or temporal resolution. Ten healthy volunteers underwent adenosine stress myocardial perfusion imaging using four saturation‐recovery gradient echo perfusion sequences: a reference sequence accelerated by sensitivity encoding (SENSE), and three k‐t SENSE–accelerated sequences with higher spatial resolution (“k‐t High”), shorter acquisition window (“k‐t Fast”), or a shared increase in both parameters (“k‐t Hybrid”) relative to the reference. Dark‐rim artifacts and image quality were analyzed. Semiquantitative myocardial perfusion reserve index (MPRI) and Fermi‐derived quantitative MPR were also calculated. The k‐t Hybrid sequence produced highest image quality scores at rest (P = 0.015). Rim artifact thickness and extent were lowest using k‐t High and k‐t Hybrid sequences (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in MPRI and MPR values derived by each sequence. Maximizing spatial resolution by k‐t SENSE acceleration produces the greatest reduction in dark rim artifact. There is good agreement between k‐t SENSE and standard acquisition methods for semiquantitative and fully quantitative myocardial perfusion analysis. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.