Myocardial fiber orientation mapping via MR diffusion tensor imaging

Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging is a promising tool to noninvasively characterize the 3D structure of ordered tissues. Challenges in its application to determine and visualize myocardial fiber architecture include (a) validation of the technique against established histology, (b) improvement of its acquisition time efficiency, hence its practical temporal and spatial resolutions, and (c) development of robust and intuitive means to reconstruct 3D fiber structure. This report describes our progresses in these areas toward making 3D myocardial fiber orientation mapping reliable and practical.