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Two-dimensional spatially-selective RF excitation pulses in echo-planar imaging
Susanne Rieseberg1, Jens Frahm, Jürgen Finsterbusch
1Biomedizinische NMR Forschungs GmbH am Max-Planck-Institut für biophysikalische Chemie, Göttingen, Germany.
Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
|July 12, 2002
Summary
New two-dimensional spatially-selective radiofrequency (2DRF) pulses reduce artifacts in brain MRI scans. This advanced technique shortens echo train length, improving image quality for better diagnostic insights.
Area of Science:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Medical Physics
- Radiology
Background:
- Susceptibility artifacts near air cavities pose challenges in conventional echo-planar imaging (EPI).
- Reducing the field of view (FOV) in the phase-encoding direction can shorten EPI echo trains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate two-dimensional spatially-selective radiofrequency (2DRF) excitation pulses for single-shot EPI.
- To reduce susceptibility artifacts and echo train length in brain MRI.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of 2DRF pulses using a blipped-planar trajectory.
- Acquisition of gradient-echo and spin-echo 2DRF-EPI images of the human brain at 2.0 T.
- Comparison of echo train lengths between 2DRF-EPI and conventional EPI.
Main Results:
- 2DRF-EPI significantly reduced susceptibility artifacts near air cavities.
- Echo train length was markedly decreased (21 ms for 2DRF-EPI vs. 102 ms for conventional EPI at 2x2 mm resolution).
- Achieved a 66 ms echo train length at 1x1 mm resolution with 2DRF-EPI.
Conclusions:
- 2DRF pulses offer a promising method for improving EPI image quality by reducing artifacts and echo train length.
- The time saved can be utilized for achieving higher spatial resolution in brain imaging.
- While user-friendliness needs improvement, 2DRF pulses represent a valuable advancement in MRI technology.