Skip to main content
. 2016 May 25;7(4):485–503. doi: 10.1007/s13244-016-0494-5

Table 1.

MRI sequences and their utility

Sequence Planes Description
Scouts Sagittal, coronal, axial Localizer
Single-shot Fast spin echo Axial Provides overview of morphology
Balanced Steady State Free Precession (SSFP)- Single shot Axial Provides overview of morphology
Cine SSFP 2-chamber, 3-chamber, 4-chamber, short-axis stacks LV and RV volumes, ejection fraction, wall thickness, and motion
Black blood spin-echo
- T1-weighted,
- T2-weighted,
- Fat saturated
2-chamber, 3-chamber, 4-chamber, short-axis stacks Tissue characterization
T2*-weighted
Sequence Planes Description
T1- mapping Short-axis stacks Tissue characterization (fibros is, amyloid, deposition, iron)
T2- mapping Short-axis stacks Tissue characterizaton (edema)
Short axis Iron quantification
Diffusion Localized to mass Tissue characterization
Dynamic first pass perfusion Short-axis stacks Ischemia/infarct/microvascular obstruction/masses
2 min post contrast T1-weighted IR GRE Short-axis stacks For myocarditis, microvascular obstruction and masses
Delayed enhancement sequences 2-chamber, 3-chamber, 4-chamber, short-axis stacks Evaluation of scarring and fibrosis
MR angiography Coronal/sagittal/axial Vascular anatomy
3d-whole heart SSFP Axial/targeted to coronary arteries Coronary artery anatomy
Vascular anatomy