Intuitive design guidelines for fast spin echo imaging with variable flip angle echo trains.
We present a simple and intuitive means for determining the flip angles (FAs) required for smooth transitions between static pseudo steady states (SPSSs) in fast spin echo (FSE) imaging with variable FA (VFA) echo trains. We demonstrate the effectiveness of single and multiple transition pulses to successfully vary refocusing FAs while retaining high signal levels. The graphical interpretation presented here is consistent with previous analytical techniques and permits accurate signal-intensity predictions along the echo train.
Lebel
R Marc
RM
Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. marc.lebel@ualberta.ca
Wilman
Alan H
AH
D000465:Algorithms; D003198:Computer Simulation; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D009716:Numerical Analysis, Computer-Assisted; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted