Contrast-enhanced 3D MR angiography with simultaneous acquisition of spatial harmonics: A pilot study

A partially parallel image acquisition technique, simultaneous acquisition of spatial harmonics, or SMASH, was to increase the spatial and/or temporal resolution in contrast material-enhanced three-dimensional magnetic resona nce angiography of the abdominal aorta and renal arteries. In eight healthy subjects, the breath-hold duration was halved at constant spatial resoluti on, or the spatial resolution was doubled at fixed breath-hold duration, wi th a 30%-55% reduction in the signal-to-noise ratio but otherwise preserved or improved image quality.