Factorial phase imaging: a new concept in the analysis of first-pass cardiac studies

Abstract

A method is described which offers an alternative to conventional Fourier phase/amplitude imaging for analyzing representative Lv [left ventricular] cycles obtained from 1st-pass cardiac studies. The method involves applying factor analysis to the data and producing functional images of the first 2 factor loadings after polar transformation. The method corrects for cycle asymmetries which produce anomalies in the Fourier images. For 88 [human] studies, the method provides greater uniformity among normal phase images while retaining, or even enhancing, abnormalities. Small differences between amplitude images produced by the 2 methods do not appear to be important.