ECG-Gated Multiecho Dixon Fat-Water Separation in Cardiac MRI: Advantages Over Conventional Fat-Saturated Imaging

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this pictorial essay is to explore the advantages of multiecho Dixon fat-water separation techniques in cardiac MRI. The clinical indications, potential artifacts, and imaging findings with this technique are reviewed. CONCLUSION. Multiecho Dixon fat-water separation can be used to help characterize cardiac masses, evaluate for myocardial lipomatous infiltration, and diagnose pericarditis. Advantages over conventional fat-saturation techniques include fewer artifacts from background inhomogeneity, improved contrast of microscopic fat, and capability for use in combination with cine and contrast-enhanced imaging.