Ultrafast MRI

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. The implementation of ultrafast MRI has dramatically impacted clinical MR practice. Faster image acquisition has resulted in greater patient throughput and higher image quality, particularly in regions subject to respiratory motion. In addition, ultrafast techniques proffer new insight into function and morphology of organ systems by providing the basis for cerebral perfusion and diffusion imaging as well as virtual 3D MR colonography and gastrography . The book attempts to bridge the gap dividing MR scientists into physicists and clinicians. It has been written for both. Based on schematic drawings, underlying pulse sequence designs and hardware considerations are illustrated. Strategies for implementing these techniques into clinical protocols are described for neurologic, cardiac, vascular and abdominal applications. 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 Min­ utes have been replaced by seconds.…