MR imaging system for discriminating between imaged tissue types

An MR imaging system for discriminating between imaged tissue type based on transverse relaxation time (T2), comprising:

• a signal generator for generating a pulse sequence for T2 preparation comprising, at least one B1 independent refocusing (BIREF-1) pulses for refocusing of magnetization of an anatomical region of interest being imaged, said refocusing pulses being preceded by a leading pulse and followed by a trailing pulse;
• a plurality of RF coils for transmitting RF pulses in response to said pulse sequence and acquiring RF data in response to transmission of the RF pulses;
• and
• a processing system for processing the RF data to provide a display image indicating different tissue types with enhanced discrimination based on T2 relaxation time difference.

A method for discriminating between imaged tissue types based on transverse relaxation time (T2) usable by an MR imaging system, comprising the activities of:

• generating a pulse sequence for T2 preparation comprising an even number of B1 independent refocusing (BIREF-1) pulses for refocusing of magnetization of an anatomical region of interest being imaged;
• transmitting RF pulses in response to said pulse sequence and acquiring RF data in response to transmission of the RF pulses;
• and
• processing the RF data to provide a display image indicating different tissue types with enhanced discrimination based on T2 relaxation time difference.