PULSE GAP CYCLING FOR IMPROVED SWIFT

• US 20100253341A1
• Filed: 04/01/2010
• Published: 10/07/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 04/02/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Regents of The University of Minnesota (University of Minnesota)
• Original Assignee: Regents of The University of Minnesota (University of Minnesota)
• Inventors: Moeller, Steen, Corum, Curtis A., Idiyatullin, Djaudat S., Garwood, Michael G.
• Granted Patent: US 8,519,707 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 324/309
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 33/4641 Sequences for NMR spectroscopy of samples with ultrashort relaxation times such as solid samples
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 33/4816 NMR imaging of samples with ultrashort relaxation times such as solid samples, e.g. MRI using ultrashort TE [UTE], single point imaging, constant time imaging
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 33/4824 using a non-Cartesian trajectory
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 33/54 Signal processing systems, e.g. using pulse sequences ; Generation or control of pulse sequences; Operator console
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 33/565 Correction of image distortions, e.g. due to magnetic field inhomogeneities
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 33/56509 due to motion, displacement or flow, e.g. gradient moment nulling G01R33/567 takes precedence

Abstract

A magnetic resonance image is produced by shifting a gap during acquisition of spin data for a specimen. The spin data is generated by a gapped excitation sequence.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

generating magnetic resonance (MR) data for a sample using a time-cycled gap in at least one of an excitation signal or a received spin system signal; and

generating an image using the MR data.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein generating MR data includes using a SWIFT MR sequence.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein generating MR data includes using a fast 3D radial MR sequence.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein generating MR data includes using a sequence that generates nearly simultaneous excitation and acquisition of spins within a gapped RF pulse.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the gap is cycled within a predetermined period of time among discrete positions numbering at least one of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, 16, and 24.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the received spin system signal is oversampled.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein generating the image includes estimating overlap of a sideband relative to a baseband in the excitation signal.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein generating the image includes postprocessing using gridding with an oversampled Kaiser-Bessel kernel.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein generating the image includes post-processing using an average smoothness constraint.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein generating the image includes reversing a gradient.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein generating the image includes summing a plurality of data sets.

12. A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon for performing a method comprising:

generating magnetic resonance (MR) data for a sample using an excitation sequence configured to image spins having a fast transverse relaxation rate and an acquisition sequence having a time-cycled gap; and

generating an image using the MR data.

13. The computer-readable medium of claim 12 wherein the method includes summing at least four data sets.

14. The computer-readable medium of claim 12 wherein the acquisition sequence is oversampled.

15. A system comprising:

a magnetic resonance scanner; and

a processor coupled to the scanner and configured to generate magnetic resonance (MR) data for a sample using a time-cycled gap in at least one of an excitation signal or a received spin system signal;

an output device configured to at least one of generate an image based on the MR data or store the MR data.

16. The system of claim 15 wherein the processor is configured to implement a user-selected duty cycle, the duty cycle corresponding to the time-cycled gap.