바로가기  >

Abstract

In this study, we propose a new 3D dual-echo method for simultaneous multi-slab time-of-flight MR angiography (TOF MRA) and single-slab susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI). The previous echo-specific k-space reordering scheme for compatible dual-echo arteriovenography (CODEA) was advanced to applying excitation RF pulses for multiple thin slabs and a single thick slab to the first (TOF MRA) and second (SWI) echoes, respectively. Single-slab CODEA and multi-slab CODEA (fixed-slab CODEAs) were additionally acquired as comparison reference to the proposed variable-slab CODEA. Parallel imaging was also tested for feasibility of accelerating the proposed method. TOF MRA and SWI from the proposed variable-slab CODEA were visually and quantitatively comparable to multi-slab TOF MRA and single-slab SWI, respectively, separately acquired from the fixed-slab CODEAs. The parallel imaging reduced the scan time from 10.3 min to 5.6 min. Furthermore, the proposed variable-slab approach improved the vessel continuities at slab boundaries of TOF MRA for CODEA as well as for the conventional single echo method. The proposed variable-slab CODEA provided multi-slab TOF MRA and single-slab SWI simultaneously in a clinically reasonable scan time of ~5 min with minimal impact on image qualities, while suppressing slab boundary artifacts in TOF MRA.

Author information

Won-Joon Do
Bio and Brain Engineering Department, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
 
Seung Hong Choi
Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
 
Sung-Hong Park
Bio and Brain Engineering Department, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.