Fast acceleration-encoded magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Direct acceleration imaging with high spatial resolution was implemented and tested. The well-known principle of phase encoding motion components was applied. Suitable gradient switching provides a signal phase shift proportional to the acceleration perpendicular to the slice in the first scan of the sequences. An additional scan serving as a reference was recorded for compensation of phase effects due to magnetic field inhomogeneities. The first scan compensated for phase shifts from undesired first- and second-order motions; the second scan was completely insensitive to velocity and acceleration in all directions. Advantages of the proposed two-step technique compared to former approaches with Fourier acceleration encoding (with several phase encoding steps) are relatively short echo times and short total measuring times. On the other hand, the new approach does not allow us to assess the velocity or acceleration spectrum simultaneously. The capabilities of the sequences were tested on a modern 1.5 T whole body MR unit providing relatively high gradient amplitudes (25 mT/m) and short rise times (600 micros to maximum amplitude). The results from a mechanical acceleration phantom showed a standard deviation of 0.3 m/s2 in sequences with an acceleration range between -12 and 12 m/s2. This range covers the expected maximum acceleration in the human aorta of 10 m/s2. Further tests were performed on a stenosis phantom with a variable volume flow rate to assess the flow characteristics and possible displacement artifacts of the sequences. Preliminary examinations of volunteers demonstrate the potential applicability of the technique in vivo.