Magnetic resonance imaging with dual velocity encoded projection reconstruction acquisition

A method for producing an image with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, the steps comprising:

• a) acquiring a LOW VENC series of NMR signals using a pulse sequence having a first motion encoding gradient field with a first moment that imparts a phase shift in the NMR signals indicative of spin motion, the pulse sequence having a readout gradient that is rotated from one pulse sequence to the next such that the LOW VENC series of NMR signals sample k-space at a corresponding first series of different projection angles;
• b) acquiring a HIGH VENC series of NMR signals using a pulse sequence having a second motion encoding gradient field with a first moment that is substantially less than the first moment in step a) and that imparts a phase shift in the NMR signals indicative of spin motion, the pulse sequence having a readout gradient that is rotated from one pulse sequence to the next such that the HIGH VENC series of NMR signal sample k-space at a corresponding second series of different projection angles;
• c) reconstructing a LOW VENC image from the series of NMR signals acquired in step a);
• d) producing a LOW VENC phase image from the LOW VENC image reconstructed in step c);
• e) reconstructing a HIGH VENC image from the series of NMR signals acquired in step b);
• f) producing a HIGH VENC phase image from the HIGH VENC image reconstruction in step e);
• and
• g) correcting the LOW VENC phase image using phase information in the HIGH VENC phase image.