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Improved spectral selectivity and reduced susceptibility in SSFP using a near zero TE undersampled three-dimensional
Aiming Lu1, Andrew V Barger, Thomas M Grist
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53792, USA. aiming@mr.radiology.wisc.edu
Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : JMRI
|December 30, 2003
Summary
This study introduces a new 3D radial acquisition sequence for balanced SSFP imaging. It significantly enhances fat/water separation and reduces susceptibility artifacts for clearer MRI scans.
Area of Science:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Balanced Steady-State Free Precession (SSFP) sequences are widely used in MRI.
- Susceptibility variations can degrade image quality in SSFP imaging, particularly affecting fat/water separation.
- Reducing repetition time (TR) is a known method to mitigate susceptibility artifacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an SSFP technique with improved fat/water separation.
- To reduce the sensitivity to magnetic susceptibility variations.
- To achieve high-resolution volumetric imaging with T2-like contrast.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an angularly undersampled three-dimensional radial acquisition sequence.
- Achieved a near-zero echo time (TE) and a very short repetition time (TR).
- Employed linear combination of data from different radiofrequency phase cycling schedules.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated excellent fat/water separation in volunteer studies.
- Acquired images with isotropic resolution covering the cervical spine and knee.
- Showcased broad coverage and high image quality.
Conclusions:
- The proposed sequence's short TR capability significantly enhances fat suppression in SSFP.
- High-resolution volumetric T2-like contrast imaging with reduced artifacts is achievable in a single acquisition.
- This technique offers a promising solution for artifact reduction in SSFP MRI.