Abstract #1167

Ruan C, Yang S, Cusi K, Gao F, Clarke G

In this study, the image nonuniformities were evaluated for 3T MRI first-pass contrast-enhanced myocardial perfusion imaging and a method was developed to compensate for these artifacts and evaluate their influence on the myocardial perfusion reserve index (MPRI) in normal subjects. The results demonstrated that the assessment of myocardial perfusion reserve at 3T is clinically feasible and desirable due to superior SNR, spatial and temporal resolution. The established normative MPRI can serve as a reference value for perfusion studies at 3T and could be used to screen patients with suspected CAD and follow-up treatment.