Control of susceptibility-related image contrast by spin-lock techniques

Macroscopic magnetic field inhomogeneities might lead to image distortions, while microscopic field inhomogeneities, due to susceptibility changes in tissues, cause spin dephasing and decreasing T(2)() relaxation time. The latter effects are especially observed in the trabecular bone and in regions adjacent to air-containing cavities when gradient-echo sequences are applied. In conventional MRI, these susceptibility-related signal voids can be avoided by applying spin-echo (SE) techniques. In this study, an alternative method for the examination and control of susceptibility-related effects by spin-lock (SL) radiofrequency pulses is presented: SL pulses were applied in two different susceptibility-sensitive sequence types: (a) between the jump and return 90 degrees pulses in a 90 degrees (x)-tau-90 degrees (-x) magnetization-prepared Fast Low Angle Shot (FLASH) sequence and (b) between the 90 degrees pulse and the 180 degrees pulse in an asymmetric SE sequence. The range of Larmor frequencies used for spin locking can be determined for different B(1) amplitudes of the SL pulses, allowing control of image contrast by the amplitude of the SL pulses.