A Mixed Single-Echo and Multiecho MyoFoldstar for Simultaneous Quantification of Myocardial T₁, T₂, T₂*, and Wall Motion

This study aimed to propose a mixed single-echo and multiecho MyoFoldstar sequence enabling simultaneous myocardial multiparametric mapping and wall-motion quantification. MyoFoldstar is designed as a 2D, single breath-holding sequence that sequentially performs joint T₁/T₂ mapping, T₂* mapping, and cine imaging within 17 heartbeats, using a golden-angle radial gradient-echo (GRE) readout and ECG synchronization. The joint T₁/T₂ mapping collects seven single-shot, single-echo images on the first seven heartbeats with inversion and T₂ preparation (T₂prep). The subsequent T₂* mapping acquires multishot, multiecho data over six heartbeats, followed by segmented cine with a single-echo readout over four heartbeats. In vivo feasibility was demonstrated in 12 healthy volunteers at 3 T and compared with conventional single-task sequences (MOLLI and SASHA for T₁, T₂prep bSSFP for T₂, and BB-meGRE for T₂*). Accuracy was validated in phantom studies. Both in vivo and phantom studies demonstrated the feasibility of MyoFoldstar for simultaneously acquiring cardiac T₁, T₂, T₂*, and cine imaging. MyoFoldstar-derived myocardial T₁ (1521 ± 102 ms), T₂ (43.2 ± 3.0 ms), and T₂* (19.2 ± 2.4 ms) showed good agreement with values from conventional single-task sequences (T₁: 1248 ± 35 ms by MOLLI and 1580 ± 38 ms by SASHA; T₂: 43.5 ± 2.2 ms by T₂prep bSSFP; T₂*: 23.4 ± 2.6 ms by BB-meGRE). Compared with conventional cine, MyoFoldstar images exhibited reduced myocardium–blood contrast, yet left ventricular function quantifications were mainly preserved (r > 0.9). Phantom results indicated that MyoFoldstar achieves good accuracy relative to reference standards. MyoFoldstar enables rapid myocardial T₁, T₂, T₂*, and cine imaging within a single breath-hold scan, delivering a time-saving and comprehensive assessment of cardiovascular magnetization resonance.