Echoplanar mr imaging

data acquisition technique whereby multiple or all lines of the MR image are acquired after a single preparatory pulse. Echoplanar imaging is a strategy for MR imaging of the heart without the requirement for electrocardiographic gating. Modifications of the echoplanar sequence have been introduced in order to improve image quality. Dividing the lines of the images into multiple sets or interleaves which are each preceded by a preparatory pulse improves image quality. This interleaved echoplanar technique is usually applied for cardiac imaging (Fig.1). It can provide images of the entire heart at multiple phases of the cardiac cycle in less than a minute and is referenced to the electrocardiogram. The potential uses of echoplanar imaging of the heart are volumetric imaging of the heart; monitoring of the first passage of contrast media through the heart; and real-time measurement of blood flow. Also, see echo planar imaging EPI .

CBH