An echo-shifted gradient-echo MRI method for efficient diffusion weighting.
A segmented magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method is introduced with time-efficient diffusion weighting resulting in total imaging times similar to those of single-shot methods. The approach is based on the principles of echo shifting with a train of observations (PRESTO) MRI sequence. The time efficiency of the sequence is based on the use of diffusion gradient pulses that also serve to shift the echo train to the next TR period, resulting in TE > TR. Each diffusion gradient is therefore used twice, for dephasing one set of spins as well as rephasing a second set of spins. Diffusion weighting and acquisition are thus achieved simultaneously. The sequence is validated in vitro and in vivo on rat kidney.
Delalande
C
C
Résonance Magnétique des Systèmes Biologiques, UMR 5536 CNRS/Université Victor Segalen Bordeaux 2, France.
de Zwart
J A
JA
Trillaud
H
H
Grenier
N
N
Moonen
C T
CT
D000818:Animals; D016477:Artifacts; D004058:Diffusion; D017352:Echo-Planar Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D004578:Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D007668:Kidney / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D007672:Kidney Cortex / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D007679:Kidney Medulla / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D013997:Time Factors