T2-mapping in volunteers: influence of sequence, spatial orientation and interindividual variability

Methods We scanned 26 volunteers (10 female, 20-70 years, mean 32±13 years, median 28 years, BMI 23±3 kg/m2) with a normal ECG, no cardiac disease and no symptoms of inflammation. Using a 1.5 T scanner and a dedicated 12-element cardiac coil we applied a FLASH-based and SSFP-based mapping sequence in midventricular short axis (SAX) and four-chamber-view (4CV). The map was based on three images with an echo time of 0, 24 and 55 ms. Spatial resolution was 2.1 mm/pixel. Scan time was 12 heart beats. In Osirix 3.3.2. we manually drew 6 segments in SAX and 4CV, each. Additionally, we drew a global region of interest (ROI) covering the whole LV myocardium in SAX and 4CV. The same investigator analyzed 10 data sets twice. 5 volunteers were scanned twice on separate days. Results were compared with a paired student t-test.