Multiple-spin-echo imaging with a 2D Fourier method

In 2D Fourier imaging the normal Carr-Purcell multiple-echo sequence generally leads to center line and mirror artifacts caused by imperfect rotations by the rf pulses. We describe a method to avoid these distortions using a phase alternating-phase shift (PHAPS) sequence which also allows multiple-slice and multiple-echo imaging at the same time. Measuring phantoms with calibrated T2 values, we have shown that the PHAPS imaging sequence leads to an accuracy of quantitative T2 determinations of better than 10%. Contrast-enhanced images are presented which we calculated from multiple-echo images and extrapolated to arbitrary echotimes, including negative ones. We believe that these improvements in T2 imaging will result in a significant reduction of patient investigation time in magnetic resonance imaging.