A half-Fourier gradient echo technique for dynamic MR imaging

Recently we developed the simultaneous dual FLASH (SDFLASH) pulse sequence that simultaneously obtains sequential images from the brain and the internal-carotid arteries in the neck with 1-sec temporal resolution using a standard MR scanner. The high temporal resolution (1 sec) of the SDFLASH technique was achieved partly by using a low number of phase-encoding views which thereby limited our in-plane spatial resolution to 6.25 × 3.12 mm pixels. To overcome this limitation we have developed a calibration technique which corrects distortions in signal intensity and object shape when using gradient echo half-Fourier spin warp imaging. Using this calibration technique, the operator can use the 41% decrease in scan time to either double the spatial or temporal resolution. We have successfully used this technique to acquire SDFLASH images of the head and neck with 1.0 sec temporal resolution and 3.12 × 1.6 mm spatial resolution.