T1 rho dispersion imaging and volume-selective T1 rho dispersion weighted NMR spectroscopy

Pulse sequences which permit imaging and volume-selective determination of parameters characterizing the frequency dependence of the spin-lattice relaxation time in the rotating frame, T1 rho, are presented. The contrasts are due to slowly moving macromolecules or paramagnetic contrast agents. In vivo test experiments were carried out with tumorous mice treated with a contrast agent. It is shown that the contrast effect is dramatically enhanced in T1 rho dispersion images compared with images weighted by any of the relaxation times.