Effective Study: Development and Application of a Question‐Driven, Time‐Effective Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Scanning Protocol

Abstract

Background Long scanning times impede cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) clinical uptake. A “one‐size‐fits‐all” shortened, focused protocol (eg, only function and late‐gadolinium enhancement) reduces scanning time and costs, but provides less information. We developed 2 question‐driven CMR and stress‐CMR protocols, including tailored advanced tissue characterization, and tested their effectiveness in reducing scanning time while retaining the diagnostic performances of standard protocols. Methods and Results Eighty three consecutive patients with cardiomyopathy or ischemic heart disease underwent the tailored CMR. Each scan consisted of standard cines, late‐gadolinium enhancement imaging, native T1‐mapping, and extracellular volume. Fat/edema modules, right ventricle cine, and in‐line quantitative perfusion mapping were performed as clinically required. Workflow was optimized to avoid gaps. Time target was 30% (CMR: from 42±8 to 28±6 minutes; stress‐CMR: from 50±10 to 34±6 minutes, both P45% of cases. Quality grading was similar between the 2 protocols. Tailored protocols did not require additional staff. Conclusions Tailored CMR and stress‐CMR protocols including advanced tissue characterization are accurate and time‐effective for cardiomyopathies and ischemic heart disease.

Keywords

• cardiomyopathy
• cardiovascular magnetic resonance
• ischemic heart disease
• rapid scanning
• time‐effectiveness