ALTERNATE K-SPACE SAMPLING IN EPI - COMPENSATION FOR T-2(ASTERISK) AND ADJUSTABLE T-2 WEIGHTING

In this work, preliminary results are described for a modification of the MBEST sampling scheme such that image resolution can be increased while preserving image contrast. In this new approach, a single spin-e cho is used in sampling k-space. The basic idea relies on acquiring a conventional EPI image from the center of k-space and applying a rr pu lse to permit the acquisition of the two outer edges of k-space. Using this new approach, it is possible to obtain an enhancement in EPI ima ge resolution, while reducing the extent of T-2 weighting. As a resul t, the resulting images possess reduced T-2 contrast and suffer less signal loss from T-2 effects such as spatial variations in susceptibi lity and field inhomogeneity.