[Magnetic resonance imaging. Sequence acronyms and other abbreviations in MR imaging]

The role of magnetic resonance imaging in clinical routine is still increasing. The large number of possible MR acquisition schemes reflects the variety of tissue-dependent parameters that may influence the contrast within the image. Those schemes can be categorized into gradient echo and spin echo techniques. Within these groups, further sorting can be done to differentiate between single-echo, multi-echo, and single-shot techniques. Each of these techniques can be combined with preparation schemes for modifying the longitudinal magnetization. Hybrids are found between the groups, which are those techniques that utilize spin echoes as well as gradient echoes. Academic groups as well as vendors often have different sequence acronyms for the same acquisition scheme. This contribution will sort these sequence acronyms into the previously mentioned scheme. The basic principle of the data acquisition is elaborated on and hints are given for potential clinical applications. Besides the sequence-specific acronyms, new abbreviations have surfaced recently in conjunction with parallel acquisition techniques." The latter means the utilization of multiple surface coils where the position and the sensitivity profile of the coils provide additional spatial information, allowing the application of reduced matrixes leading to a shorter measurement time.