An echo-shifted gradient-echo MRI method for efficient diffusion weighting

A segmented magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method is introduced with time -efficient diffusion weighting resulting in total imaging times similar to those of single-shot methods. The approach is based on the principles of ec ho shifting with a train of observations (PRESTO) MRI sequence. The time ef ficiency of the sequence is based on the use of diffusion gradient pulses t hat also serve to shift the echo train to the next TR period, resulting in TE > TR. Each diffusion gradient is therefore used twice, for dephasing one set of spins as well as rephasing a second set of spins. Diffusion weighti ng and acquisition are thus achieved simultaneously. The sequence is valida ted in vitro and in vivo on rat kidney. Magn Reson Med 41:1000-1008, 1999. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.