Ultrafast MRI

The imaging potential of the MR experiment continues to evolve. In recent years, an increasing number of fast and ultrafast imaging strategies has been described. In this evolu tion the definition of the terms fast and ultrafast has been blurred. Hence they are frequently used interchangeably. The evolution of these methods has been based on two related, yet separate developments: an increasingly thorough understand ing of the complexities inherent to pulse sequence design and the increasing availability of stronger and faster gradient sys tems. The combination of these two factors has laid the foun dation for vast reductions of MRI data acquisition times. Min utes have been replaced by seconds. Beyond shortening MR examination times and thereby increasing patient throughput, a most significant consequence has been the ability to acquire complex MR image sets within the time confines of a single breath-hold. The constraints placed by the presence of respi ratory motion have thus been effectively eliminated. Ultrafast breath-held data acquisition strategies already represent the backbone of many abdominal, thoracic and even pelvic imaging protocols. The enhanced image quality permits full exploitation of the unsurpassed soft tissue contrast inherent to the MR experiment. Beyond improving the quality of ex isting applications, the implementation of ultrafast imaging techniques has permitted the exploration of new imaging in dications, particularly in the area of perfusion and diffusion as well as ultrafast 3D imaging.

practice-related description of the ultrafast MRI technique - organ-related structuring - increasing use of this method in radiological diagnostics - existing gadget

Klappentext

The implementation of ultrafast MR acquisitions has dramatically impacted on clinical MR imaging practice, providing improved image quality and new insights into function and morphology of organ systems. Besides the background theory, underlying pulse sequence designs and hardware considerations, the book describes the practical advantages and disadvantages in clinical use, especially for neurologic, cardiac, vascular and abdominal applications. Strategies for implementing these techniques in clinical protocols are discussed. The book bridges the gap separating MR scientists into physicists and clinicians. It has been written to be of benefit to both.

Inhalt
1 The Physics of Ultrafast Magnetic Resonance Imaging.- 1 Introduction.- 2 Background Theory.- 3 MRI Basics.- 4 k-Space.- 5 k-Space Considerations for Ultrafast Imaging.- 6 Coherence Pathways.- 7 Fast Gradient-Echo Imaging.- 8 Planar k-Space Sampling Techniques.- 9 Physiological Gating.- 10 Hardware Considerations.- References.- 2 Ultrafast Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain and Spine.- 1 Morphology.- 2 Function.- References.- 3 Ultrafast Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Heart.- 1 Introduction.- 2 MRI in Myocardial Ischemia.- 3 Myocardial Function.- References.- 4 Ultrafast Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Vascular System.- 1 Introduction.- 2 Vascular Morphology.- 3 Vascular Function.- References.- 5 Ultrafast Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Abdomen.- 1 Introduction.- 2 Fast (Turbo) T2-Weighted Imaging.- 3 Fast 2D Gradient-Echo Imaging.- 4 Ultrafast 3D Gradient-Echo Imaging.- 5 Echo-planar Techniques.- References.