Sliding multislice (SMS): a new technique for minimum FOV usage in axial continuously moving-table acquisitions

A novel technique for axial continuously moving-table scans is described that minimizes the required extension of the scanner's field of view (FOV) along the direction of table motion (z) by applying a segmented multislice acquisition technique. Any anatomical slice is acquired by applying the same phase-encoding steps at the same spatial positions along the scanner FOV. The full k-space data set of any anatomical slice is collected while the slice moves through the scanner from one scan position to the next. Simultaneous acquisition of multiple slices is realized by shifting the acquisition trajectories of different slices in time. It is demonstrated how the image artifact behavior that relates to varying imaging properties along the distance the table traverses during the acquisition of any given anatomical slice can be optimized simultaneously for all images. Discontinuities between the images along the slice axis are avoided because all z-dependent scan properties are encoded identically for all slices. Flexible spatial acquisition patterns are proposed to enable data oversampling and overlapping slice acquisitions at reduced table speeds. A framework of equations is presented by which matched parameter combinations for sliding multislice acquisitions can be applied to both single- and multiecho sequences. The new technique is validated on phantom and in vivo measurements using a T1-weighted fast low-angle shot (FLASH) sequence as well as a T2-weighted multi-spin-echo sequence of variable echo train lengths.