Reducing imaging-scan times for MRI systems
AssigneeThe Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
InventorsAri Borthakur, Ravinder Reddy, Sridhar Charagundla
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Abstract
Provided are methods and systems for rapid MRI imaging-scanning that provides 2D or 3D coverage, high precision, and high-temporal efficiency, without exceeding SAR limits. In one embodiment, a pulse sequence process is performed that includes a T1ρ preparation period, followed by a very rapid image acquisition process, which acquires multiple lines of k-space data. The combination of T1ρ preparation and acquisition of multiple lines of k-space, allows scan times to be shortened by as much as 3- or 4-fold or more, over conventional MRI scanning methods.
Claims14
A method for magnetic resonance imaging, the method comprising:
- 1) generating a pulse sequence that includes a T1ρ preparation period, including generating a series of radio frequency (RF) pulses to obtain T1ρ contrast, comprising first preparing a spinlock pulse cluster by:
- applying a first RF pulse for flipping magnetization,
- applying a one or more RF pulses, with different phase combinations, to spin lock and provide the T1ρ contrast;
- and
- applying another RF pulse to flip the magnetization storage;
- then
- 2) applying at least one additional gradient pulse;
- 3) acquiring multiple lines of k-space, and restoring at least part of the T1ρ-weighted magnetization created by the spin lock pulse cluster;
- and then following whole segment acquisition of the k-space,
- 4) allowing magnetization to relax toward thermal equilibrium for a time to restore at least partial equilibrium magnetization.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.