We have developed a contrast-free free-breathing motion corrected (100% scan efficiency) 3D whole heart imaging technique for measurement of myocardial magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) maps. The sequence is based on the interleaved acquisition of MT weighted and non-MT weighted datasets and beat-to-beat rigid motion correction using 2D image navigators. Initial results in 4 healthy volunteers have shown good image quality, enabling the visualisation of the coronary arteries and MTR maps of healthy myocardium (MTR=41±7.2%). This approach promises higher sensitivity for measuring changes in macromolecule content associated with myocardial fibrosis than previous studies, justifying further investigation in a patient cohort.
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