Hybrid DANTE and phase-contrast imaging technique for measurement of three-dimensional myocardial wall motion.

Characterization of myocardial stress and strain is necessary for a complete understanding of myocardial function. The precise quantification of regional myocardial strain is complicated by its time-varying pattern and regional variation resulting from the anisotropy of the myocardium and by complex torsional and shortening motions of the heart during the cardiac cycle. The authors have developed a technique for point-specific tracking of myocardial motion along all three axes in a constant selected section of myocardium by combining prospective section selection with in-plane DANTE (delays alternating with nutations for tailored excitation) tissue tagging and phase-contrast detection of motion perpendicular to the image plane. With this technique, it is possible to determine point-specific myocardial strain values in vivo.