We recently described the feasibility of using a prototype 3D unbalanced steady-state free precession (3D uSSFP) pulse sequence for dark blood imaging. We sought to determine whether this technique could be adapted for dark blood, susceptibility-insensitive imaging of the lungs. A breath-hold, ECG-gated version of 3D uSSFP was implemented for a pilot study of healthy volunteers and patients. Initial results suggest that 3D uSSFP allows efficient volumetric imaging of the lungs and can demonstrate even small lung nodules without artifacts. With further development, the technique could provide a radiation-free alternative to low-dose CT for lung cancer screening.
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