k-space weighted image contrast (KWIC) for contrast manipulation in projection reconstruction MRI

A novel technique for manipulating contrast in projection reconstruction MRI is described. The method takes advantage of the fact that the central region of k-space is oversampled, allowing one to choose different filters to enhance or reduce the amount that each view contributes to the central region, which dominates image contrast. The technique is implemented into a fast spin-echo (FSE) sequence, and it is shown that multiple T(2)-weighted images can be reconstructed from a single image data set. These images are shown to be nearly identical to those acquired with the Cartesian-sampled FSE sequence at different effective echo times. Further, it is demonstrated that T(2) maps can be generated from a single image data set. This technique also has the potential to be useful in dynamic contrast enhancement studies, capable of yielding a series of images at a significantly higher effective temporal resolution than what is currently possible with other methods, without sacrificing spatial resolution.