心率波动对16层CT冠脉成像图像质量的影响及对策(心脏体模模拟实验)

目的 研究心率波动对16层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像质量的影响及心率波动情况下最佳扫描条件.方法 采用GE Light-Speed 16层螺旋CT,以心脏冠脉扫描模式对心脏体模进行扫描.心率设置为以60次/min、85次/min为中心上下波动2组,每组分别设置波幅为2.5次/min、5次/min和10次/min各3小组,分别对6组心率波动情况下的心脏体模以心脏冠脉扫描模式进行扫描,所有扫描数据在R-R间期5%、15%、25%、35%、45%、55%、65%、75%、85%、95%相位分别进行单扇区(Segment)、双扇区(Burst-2)和四扇区重建(Burst-4).重建数据传至AW4.1工作站后处理成像.后处理方法采用容积再现(VR)、多平面重组(MPR)模式.由1名高年资医师和1名技师分别对不同重组图像进行评分.统计学处理采用析因分析.结果 (1)方差分析显示,总模型具有显著意义(F=22.58,P《0.0001),各变量(心率、波幅、算法和相位)具有显著意义,均对冠状动脉成像质量有影响;(2)不同心率之间比较心率为60次/min者图像质量评分均数显著高于心率为85次/min者(P《0.05);(3)不同波动范围之间比较波幅为2.5次/min和5次/min者,图像质量评分均数高于波幅为10次/min者(P《0.05),但波幅为2.5次/min和5次/min无显著差异(P》0.05);(4)不同重建算法之间比较算法为Burst-4和Burst-2者图像质量评分均数显著高于算法为Segment(P《0.05),但Burst-4和Burst-2之间无显著差异(P》0.05);(5)不同相位之间比较相位为45%,95%显著高于其他相位(P《0.05),但上述二者相位之间无显著差异(P》0.05).相位为15%者,图像质量最差.结论 新型心脏动态体模评价心率波动对16层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像质量的影响及心率波动情况下最佳扫描条件分析,能够为临床应用和基础研究提供帮助.     

心率对64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像图像质量的影响

目的:评价心率对64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像图像质量的影响.方法:采用GE Light speed 64层螺旋VCT,以心脏扫描模式对心脏动态体模进行扫描.心脏动态体模由3个部分组成:动力部分、解剖结构模拟部分和控制部分.心脏动态体模的心率设置为40、45、50、55、60、65、70、75、80、85、90、95、100、105、110和115次/min,心律齐.以球管转速0.35 s对不同心率下的心脏动态体模进行冠状动脉成像扫描.所有扫描数据在R-R间期90%时相分别进行单扇区和多扇区重建.重建数据传至工作站后处理成像.后处理方法采用VR、MPR重组模式.分别对重建图像进行评分.结果:①心率与图像质量呈负相关(P＜0.01);随着心率的增加,图像质量评分呈下降趋势;②在同一条件下多扇区重建算法较单扇区重建算法提高了图像质量评分.结论:采用心脏动态体模评价心率对64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像图像质量的影响,对临床研究和应用有着重要价值.     

64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像图像质量的相关影响因素分析(心脏体模模拟实验)

目的采用心脏动态体模，对64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像图像质量的相关影响因素进行分析。方法采用GE Light speed64层螺旋CT，以心脏扫描的模式对心脏动态体模进行扫描。心脏动态体模由3部分组成：动力部分、解剖结构模拟部分和控制部分组成。心率设置为40、45、50、55、60、65、70、75、80、85、90、95、100、105、110和115次／min，X线管转速设置为每转0．35、0．40和0．45S，分别对不同心率下的心脏动态体模进行冠状动脉成像扫描。所有扫描数据在R-R间期90％时相分别进行单扇区和多扇区重组。重组数据传至AW4．2工作站后处理成像。后处理方法采用容积重组（VR）、多平面重组（MPR）模式。分别对不同重组图像进行评分。统计学处理采用多元线性回归模型。结果（1）心率对图像质量的影响有统计学意义（P〈0．01），随着心率的增加，图像质量评分呈下降趋势。多元线性回归分析显示心率每增加1次，图像质量评分平均减低0．046；（2）重组算法对图像质量的影响有统计学意义（P〈0．01），在同一条件下多扇区重组算法较单扇区重组算法能增加图像质量评分0．5。（3）X线管转速在0．35、0．40和0．45S下对图像质量的影响无统计学意义（P〉0，05），在40-115次／min心率时的重组图像，得到的最高评分时X线管转速分别为0．35和0．45S。（4）心率、重组算法与图像质量间具有多元线性回归关系（标准化回归系数分别为-0．824和0．194）。结论心脏动态体模评价64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像图像质量的影响因素，能够为其临床应用和基础研究提供帮助。     

双源CT冠状动脉成像的图像质量及重组时相与心率的关系

目的 探讨双源CT冠状动脉成像的图像质量和重组时相与心率的关系.方法 对95例临床可疑冠心病患者进行双源CT增强扫描,检查前均不使用β受体阻滞剂控制心率.按扫描时心率分为3组:低心率组(≤70 次/min)26例,中心率组(71～90 次/min)37例,高心率组(t≥91 次/min)32例.利用回顾性心电门控重建出10%～100% R-R时相的图像,分析不同R-R时相冠状动脉的图像质量情况及其与心率的关系.结果 低、中、高心率3组图像质量评分分别为(1.08±0.27)、(1.32±0.58)、(1.47±0.61)分,低心率和中心率组图像质量评分差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),低心率组图像质量评分显著优于高心率组(P＜0.05),中心率组和高心率组图像质量评分差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).只有1.4%(19/1386)的冠状动脉节段不可评价.74例患者(77.9%)可在单一重组时相获得冠状动脉各段最佳图像质量.低心率组23例(88.5%)最佳重组时相在舒张中晚期;高心率组27例(84.4%)的最佳重组时相前移至舒张早期和收缩末期.结论 双源CT能够在相当宽的心率范围内提供优良的图像质量;多数患者可在单一时相获得各支冠状动脉最佳质量图像,随着心率的增快最佳重组时相从舒张中晚期前移至舒张早期和收缩末期.     

64层螺旋CT冠状动脉图像质量控制研究:最佳重组时相与心率关系

目的量化评估64层螺旋CT冠状动脉各分支不同重组时相图像质量,探讨冠状动脉CT成像最佳重组时相与心率关系。资料与方法102例患者均采用64层螺旋CT回顾性心电门控冠状动脉成像,男68例,女34例,平均年龄(58.1±9.7)岁,平均心率(66.4±11.5)次/min。心率<65次/min(n=43)为Ⅰ组,65～75次/min(n=34)为Ⅱ组,>75次/min(n=25)为Ⅲ组,每例患者的4支冠状动脉(左主干、左前降支、左回旋支、右冠状动脉)共分为12个节段用于图像质量分析。扫描原始数据以间隔5%在20%～80%时相分别回顾性重组冠状动脉图像,采用横断位、曲面重组、容积再现等方法对图像质量综合评分。结果Ⅰ组60%、65%和70%为最佳时相,Ⅱ组60%、65%时相为最佳时相,Ⅲ组右冠状动脉较优时相为35%、40%,左冠状动脉较优时相为60%、65%。结论心率和重组时相的选择是决定冠状动脉图像质量的重要因素。平均心率≤75次/min,冠状动脉各分支图像质量在心脏运动的舒张中期(60%、65%)最佳;>75次/min时,左右冠状动脉分别进行重组能明显提高冠状动脉的成像质量。     

基于运动校正算法的自然心率冠状动脉CTA的可行性研究

目的 与标准算法单扇区(SSEG)重建和双扇区(SSB2)重建比较,评价运动校正算法(SSF)在自然心率下对冠状动脉CTA运动伪影校正的价值.方法 连续搜集行64排螺旋CT冠状动脉CTA的患者104例,回顾性重建R-R间期20％～90％期相,间隔5％.分别选择冠状动脉三大主要分支显示最佳的时相,行SSEG、SSB2、SSF重建.根据扫描时平均心率划分为三组:A组(＜ 65次/min),37例;B组(65～80次/min),40例;C组(＞80次/min),27例.比较各组内SSEG、SSB2和SSF重建在冠状动脉分支水平的图像质量评分、可诊断率及优良率.结果 A、B、C三组SSF重建的图像质量评分均大于SSB2和SSEG重建(P＜0.05);A组SSEG、SSB2与SSF重建的可诊断率均为100％:B组SSEG、SSB2与SSF重建的可诊断率分别为90.8％、94.2％、100％,SSF重建大于SSB2和SSEG重建(P＜0.05);C组SSEG、SSB2与SSF重建的可诊断率分别为66.7％、95.1％、96.3％,SSF和SSB2重建大于SSEG重建.A、B、C三组SSF重建的优良率均大于SSEG和SSB2重建(P＜0.05).各组中,右冠状动脉、左冠状动脉前降支和左冠状动脉回旋支使用SSF重建的图像质量评分均大于SSB2和SSEG重建(P＜0.05).结论 自然心率下,SSF重建可取代SSB2重建校正冠状动脉CT血管成像运动伪影,改善图像质量.     

The Application of Optimatic Reconstructive Technology in 64 slice Coronary Artery Angiography of High Heart Rate and Heart Rate Fluctuating Patients

目的 探讨优化重组技术在心率过快、心率波动患者冠状动脉成像中的应用价值.资料与方法 回顾性分析心率过快、心率波动患者资料149例,根据心率过快程度及心率波动范围分组:A组60例,心率70 - 80次/min,心率波动5～10次;B组34例,心率70 ～ 80次/min,心率波动＞10次;C组37例,心率＞80次/min,心率波动5～10次;D组18例,心率＞80次/min,心率波动＞10次.选取心率＜70次/min,无明显心率波动患者(心率波动＜5次)60例作为对照组,比较优化重组前后各组冠状动脉图像质量,比较试验组与对照组之间冠状动脉图像质量.结果 通过优化重组技术处理后,B、C两组冠状动脉图像质量较重组之前有明显改善(P＜0.05),A、D两组冠状动脉图像质量重组前后无明显改善(P＞0.05).优化重组后A组图像质量与对照组图像质量无统计学差异(P＞0.05),B、C、D组图像质量与对照组图像质量具有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 大部分心率过快,心率波动的患者经过优化重组后均可满足诊断需要,而心率太快、心率波动过大的患者(心率＞80次/min,心率波动＞10次)成像效果差,不推荐行冠状动脉CTA检查.     

双源CT前瞻性心电触发序列扫描在房颤患者中的应用研究

目的应用双源CT前瞻性心电触发序列扫描对心房纤颤(atrial fibrillation,AF)患者行冠状动脉成像,并与回顾性心电门控螺旋扫描比较,评估二者的图像质量及放射剂量。方法对40例临床可疑冠心病的AF患者行二代128层双源CT增强扫描。随机分为两组:组1共21例(序列组),使用前瞻性心电触发序列扫描;组2共19例(螺旋组),使用回顾性心电门控螺旋扫描。基于AHA-15段冠状动脉分段法及4级评分法(1分-优秀至4分-差),由两位阅片者独立对所有冠状动脉按节段进行图像质量评价,比较两组患者的图像质量及有效放射剂量。结果序列组平均心率(94±25)次/min,心率波动(69±25)次/min;螺旋组平均心率(86±22)次/min,心率波动(65±22)次/min,组间平均心率(t=1.019,P=0.315)及心率波动(t=0.598,P=0.553)差异无统计学意义。序列组与螺旋组的图像质量优良,评分差异无统计学意义(1.29±0.55 vs 1.25±0.55;Z=-1.290,P=0.197);序列组的有效放射剂量较螺旋组显著降低(4.90±1.62 mSv vs 10.04±3.57 mSv;t=-5.988,P=0.000)。结论 AF患者双源CT冠状动脉成像中,前瞻性心电触发序列扫描与回顾性心电门控螺旋扫描相比,可以提供同样高质量的图像满足诊断需要,同时有效减低放射剂量。     

双源CT前瞻性和回顾性心电门控冠状动脉成像对比研究

目的:通过对双源CT前瞻性与回顾性心电门控冠状动脉成像的图像质量和辐射剂量等比较,探讨双源CT前瞻性触发序列扫描技术在冠状动脉成像中的应用价值.方法:将110例行双源CT冠状动脉血管成像检查的患者随机分为2组,A组60例行前瞻性触发序列门控扫描,B组50例行回顾性心电门控螺旋扫描.入组标准为心率75次/min(bpm)以下,心率相对规整(波动≤10bpm).管电压根据体重质量指数(BMI)调整:BM1≥25kg/m2,120kV;BMI＜25kg/m2,100kV.记录扫描中患者所接受辐射剂量,并对其图像质量进行评分.分别采用Wilcoxon秩检验和两独立样本t检验对两组的图像质量和辐射剂量进行统计学分析.结果:A组图像质量平均评分为(3.74±0.51)分,平均有效剂量为(2.38±0.83) mSv;B组图像质量平均评分为(3.68±0.58)分,平均有效剂量为(9.49±3.38)mSv.A、B两组图像质量评分差异无统计学意义(Z =-1.891,P=0.059);有效剂量差异有统计学意义(t=-14.522,P＜0.001),降低约75％.结论:双源CT在心率低且稳定的患者中行前瞻性触发序列扫描能够显著降低辐射剂量,并且可以获得满足临床诊断的图像质量.     

64排螺旋CT胸痛三联排查低剂量研究

目的 探讨64排螺旋CT低辐射剂量胸痛三联排查的临床价值.方法 从胸痛三联排查的患者中连续选取95例,且心率≤65次/min,心率波动范围≤5次/min.95例随机分为A、B 2组,A组48例采用前门控轴扫,B组47例采用后门控螺旋扫描.所有病例体质量指数(BMI)≥24 kg/m2,管电压选择120 kV;BMI＜24 kg/m2,管电压选择100 kV;根据BMI设置管电流(230～740 mA).以冠状动脉图像质量评分作为质控指标.采用两独立样本t检验对2组的射线剂量、图像质量评分、BMI、扫描时患者心率波动范围进行统计学分析.结果 A组平均受线剂量为(7.96±2.85) mSv,图像质量评分平均为(4.76±0.55)分;B组平均受线剂量为(23.80±8.90) mSv,图像质量评分平均为(4.81±0.46)分.2组之间图像质量评分无显著性差异(t=1.93,P＞0.05).A组受线剂量与B组相比有统计学差异(t=11.64,P＜0.05),平均受线剂量减少约66.6%.结论 应用64排螺旋CT采用前门控轴扫技术行胸痛三联排查,图像质量可靠,患者受线量少,值得向临床推广.     

Correlation of effective temporal resolution and accuracy of volume ejection fraction on the ECG-gated cardiac MDCT

PURPOSE: ECG-gated cardiac MDCT offers many cardiac clinical applications. The goals of this report are 1) to introduce a new concept of effective reliability (ER) from effective temporal resolution for the evaluation of ejection fraction (EF) and evaluation of image quality (IQ) of coronary arteries, and 2) to show the correlation of ER and the accuracy of EF with different cardiac reconstruction algorithms and different rotation speeds. METHODS AND MATERIALS: To assess the accuracy of EF, helical scanning was performed with a gated cardiac MDCT (GE LightSpeed, 8/16 slice) on pulsating cardiac coronary phantoms (0.5 and 0.6 sec rotation speed for each 50-110 bpm, 5-bpm step). We define effective reliability (ER) from effective temporal resolution (%) as follows: ER= (1-TR/HC) x 100; TR: Effective temporal resolution, HC: time of heart cycle in each bpm. RESULTS: From the results of the EF measurement and calculated ER, high accuracy was obtained by using optimal scan conditions (optimal rotation speed and cardiac reconstruction algorithm) in a wide range of heart rates (heart rate<90: EF & ER>81%; heart rate<110 bpm: EF & ER>73%). Results showed that the calculated ER is closely correlated with the measurement results of EF based on the phantom experiment (R2=0.901+/-0.075; Max: 0.994, Min: 0.738). Optimal reconstruction thickness can reduce total image number for the evaluation of EF. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the ER is useful to evaluate EF accuracy and the IQ of images of coronary arteries.     

Noninvasive coronary angiography with 16-detector row CT: effect of heart rate

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of heart rate on the quality of coronary angiograms obtained with 16-detector row computed tomography (CT) by using temporally enhanced three-dimensional (3D) approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The local ethics committee approved the study, and informed consent was obtained from all patients. Fifty patients underwent coronary CT angiography (heart rate range, 45-103 beats per minute). Raw data from helical CT and electrocardiography (ECG) were saved in a combined data set. Retrospectively ECG-gated images were reconstructed at preselected phases (50% and 80%) of the cardiac cycle. A 3D voxel-based approach with cardiac phase weighting was used for reconstruction. Testing for correlation between heart rate, cardiac phase reconstruction window, and image quality was performed with Kruskal-Wallis analysis. Image quality (freedom from cardiac motion-related artifacts) was referenced against findings at conventional angiography in a secondary evaluation step. Regression analysis was performed to calculate heart rate thresholds for future beta-blocker application. RESULTS: A significant negative correlation was observed between heart rate and image quality (r = 0.80, P < .001). Motion artifact-free images were available for 44 (88%) patients and were achieved consistently at a heart rate of 80 or fewer beats per minute (n = 39). Best image quality was achieved at 75 or fewer beats per minute. Segmental analysis revealed that 97% of arterial segments (diameter > or = 1.5 mm according to conventional angiography) were assessable at 80 or fewer beats per minute. Premature ventricular contractions and rate-contained arrhythmia did not impede diagnostic assessment of the coronary arteries in 10 (83%) of the 12 patients affected. CONCLUSION: Motion-free coronary angiograms can be obtained consistently with 16-detector row CT scanners and adaptive multicyclic reconstruction algorithms in patients with heart rates of less than 80 beats per minute.     

Contrast-enhanced coronary artery visualization by dual-source computed tomography--initial experience

Multi-detector computed tomography (CT) scanners, by virtue of their high temporal and spatial resolution, permit imaging of the coronary arteries. However, motion artifacts, especially in patients with higher heart rates, can impair image quality. We thus evaluated the performance of a new dual-source CT (DSCT) with a heart rate independent temporal resolution of 83 ms for the visualization of the coronary arteries in 14 consecutive patients. METHODS: Fourteen patients (mean age 61 years, mean heart rate 71 min(-1)) were studied by DSCT. The system combines two arrays of an X-ray tube plus detector (64 slices) mounted on a single gantry at an angle of 90 degrees With a rotation speed of 330 ms, a temporal resolution of 83 ms (one-quarter rotation) can be achieved independent of heart rate. For data acquisition, intraveous contrast agent was injected at a rate of 5 ml/s. Images were reconstructed with 0.75 slice thickness and 0.5 mm increment. The data sets were evaluated concerning visibility of the coronary arteries and occurrence of motion artifact. RESULTS: Visualization of the coronary arteries was successful in all patients. Most frequently, image reconstruction at 70% of the cardiac cycle provided for optimal image quality (50% of patients). Of a total of 226 coronary artery segments, 222 (98%) were visualized free of motion artifact. In summary, DSCT constitutes a promising new concept for cardiac CT. High and heart rate independent temporal resolution permits imaging of the coronary arteries without motion artifacts in a substantially increased number of patients as compared to earlier scanner generations. Larger and appropriately designed studies will need to determine the method's accuracy for detection of coronary artery stenoses.     

Computed tomography coronary angiography with 370-millisecond gantry rotation time: evaluation of the best image reconstruction interval

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the best reconstruction window for noninvasive coronary angiography when using a 16-detector row computed tomography (CT) scanner with a gantry rotation time of 370 milliseconds. METHODS: In a pilot study, 189 coronary artery segments of 21 patients with a mean heart rate of 65 beats per minute (bpm, maximum: 45-94 bpm) were investigated using a 16-detector row CT scanner. Raw data were reconstructed in 10% increments from 40% to 70% of the RR interval. Two experienced observers independently evaluated the image quality of the coronary arteries in a segmental fashion. A 5-point ranking scale was applied, with 1 being very poor (no evaluation possible); 2, poor; 3, moderate; 4, good; and 5, very good. RESULTS: In the mean of all patients, the best reconstruction window was found to be at 60% of the RR interval. In patients with higher heart rates, the best reconstruction window was found to be at an earlier stage of the R wave-to-R wave interval. CONCLUSIONS: Initial results show that good diagnostic image quality could be achieved for all evaluated segments of the coronary tree with image reconstructions at 60% of the R wave-to-R wave interval in patients with heart rates of 70 bpm or less. Using a 16-detector row CT scanner with a gantry rotation time of 370 milliseconds, the need for adapting the reconstruction window to each segment for the best image quality was overcome in those cases. In patients with heart rates faster than 70 bpm, reconstructions at an earlier stage within the cardiac cycle were necessary.     

64层螺旋CT心脏冠状动脉检查质量控制和扫描参数优化研究

目的 分析影响64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像质量的各种因素，对扫描方法进行质量控制和优化。方法 对78例怀疑冠心病或冠心病复查患者进行64层螺旋CT冠状动脉检查，回顾性分析成像质量，探讨心率替代（override）功能的应用价值，分组分析扇区选择与心率对图像质量的影响以及心率与对比剂增强效果的相关性，优化扫描参数。结果 （1）心率替代功能的合理使用可以提高CT冠状动脉的成像质量；（2）心率70次／min以下的单扇区重组图像质量可以满足要求；70-79次／min之间的心率，选择双扇区重组图像的评分要高于单扇区；（3）预测对比剂总量70m1组的平均心率为60．7次／min，65．7％（23／35）的患者增强药量稍显不足；总量为60ml组的平均心率为71．1次／min，52．9％（18／34）的患者增强效果良好。结论 根据心率选择心率替代功能的使用，适当的扇区扫描模式和对比剂总量可以提高图像质量和冠状动脉检查的可靠性。     

Study on motion artifacts in coronary arteries with an anthropomorphic moving heart phantom on an ECG-gated multidetector computed tomography unit

Acquisition time plays a key role in the quality of cardiac multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and is directly related to the rotation time of the scanner. The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of heart rate and a multisector reconstruction algorithm on the image quality of coronary arteries of an anthropomorphic adjustable moving heart phantom on an ECG-gated MDCT unit. The heart phantom and a coronary artery phantom were used on a MDCT unit with a rotation time of 500 ms. The movement of the heart was determined by analysis of the images taken at different phases. The results indicate that the movement of the coronary arteries on the heart phantom is comparable to that in a clinical setting. The influence of the heart rate on image quality and artifacts was determined by analysis of several heart rates between 40 and 80 bpm where the movement of the heart was synchronized using a retrospective ECG-gated acquisition protocol. The resulting reformatted volume rendering images of the moving heart and the coronary arteries were qualitatively compared as a result of the heart rate. The evaluation was performed on three independent series by two independent radiologists for the image quality of the coronary arteries and the presence of artifacts. The evaluation shows that at heart rates above 50 bpm the influence of motion artifacts in the coronary arteries becomes apparent. In addition the influence of a dedicated multisector reconstruction technique on image quality was determined. The results show that the image quality of the coronary arteries is not only related to the heart rate and that the influence of the multisector reconstruction technique becomes significant above 70 bpm. Therefore, this study proves that from the actual acquisition time per heart cycle one cannot determine an actual acquisition time, but only a mathematical acquisition time.     

ECG-gated reconstructed multi-detector row CT coronary angiography: effect of varying trigger delay on image quality

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of electrocardiographically (ECG)-gated retrospective image reconstruction for multi-detector row computed tomographic (CT) coronary angiography in reducing cardiac motion artifacts and to evaluate the influence of heart rate on cardiac image quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-five patients with different heart rates underwent coronary CT angiography. Raw helical CT data and ECG tracings were combined to retrospectively reconstruct at the defined consecutive z position with a temporal resolution of 250 msec per section. The starting points of the reconstruction were chosen between 30% and 80% of the R-R intervals. The relationships between heart rate, trigger delay, and image quality were analyzed. RESULTS: Optimal image quality was achieved with a 50% trigger delay for the right coronary artery and 60% for the left circumflex coronary artery. Optimal image quality for the left anterior descending coronary artery was equally obtained at 50% and 60% triggering. A significant negative correlation was observed between heart rate and image quality (P <.05). The best image quality was achieved when the heart rate was less than 74.5 beats per minute. CONCLUSION: To achieve high image quality, the heart rate should be sufficiently slow. Selection of appropriate trigger delays and a decreasing heart rate are effective to reduce cardiac motion artifacts.