Suppression of vascular enhancement artifacts through the use of a multiband, selectively spoiled radiofrequency excitation pulse

Abstract

Purpose: To test the ability of a multi-band RF pulse to reduce flow enhancement artifacts for steady state imaging without compromising temporal resolution or spatial coverage. Materials and Methods: Selectively spoiled composite RF pulses that provide simultaneous excitation and flow preparation were designed and tested by means of simulation, phantom, and in vivo measurements under varying conditions of flow. Results: Suppression of flow enhancement was found to depend on flow velocity and spatial extent of spoiled regions. By determining necessary pulse characteristics for a given experimental geometry, flow enhancement was reduced and sensitivity to T1- reducing contrast agent was dramatically increased. Conclusion: These pulses provide an effective means of suppressing flow enhancement without sacrificing temporal resolution or spatial coverage. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.