Combined Long‐ and Short‐Axis Myocardial Perfusion Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance

Purpose: To date, myocardial perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has been reported in single and multiple short‐axis slices. Three short‐axis planes can assess 16 segments of the standard 17‐segment myocardial model, but this approach fails to assess the ventricular apex that requires at least one long‐axis plane. We therefore evaluated the feasibility and benefit of combined long‐ and short‐axis perfusion CMR to enable complete 17 segments coverage for comprehensive myocardial perfusion assessment. Methods and Materials: Using a hybrid echo planar imaging (EPI) sequence, we performed rest and adenosine stress first‐pass perfusion CMR studies with 3 short‐axis (basal, mid, apical) planes, and additional long‐axis planes in the same cardiac cycle in a broad range of cardiology patients. Results: Perfusion CMR was performed in 53 consecutive patients using the combined short‐long‐axis imaging protocol. Twenty‐nine of those studied had known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD), 18 hypert...