INTERLEAVED ECHO-PLANAR PHASE-CONTRAST ANGIOGRAPHY

Technical aspects of a new rapid 2D multiplanar phase contrast angiogr aphic sequence are presented. The sequence uses multiple excitation ec ho planar imaging concepts. The advantage of using multiple excitation s is that the resolution can be increased over that obtainable with si ngle shot echo planar imaging. By combining phase contrast measurement s with echo planar imaging, the measurement time is considerably reduc ed compared with conventional phase contrast magnetic resonance angiog raphy. The present implementation still requires some improvements bef ore being suitable for clinical applications. Future embodiments could , however, permit angiograms of vessels subject to respiratory motion.