Arterial spin labeling using time varying gradients

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and system for conducting a magnetic resonance fluid flow study by conducting a labeling procedure and a control procedure and combining datasets from those procedures to create a dataset for the fluid flow study. An amplitude modulated magnetic field gradient and amplitude modulated RF irradiation may be applied during a labeling procedure. Likewise, amplitude modulated RF irradiation may be applied during a control procedure. An amplitude modulated magnetic field gradient may also be applied during the control procedure.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation of prior application Ser. No. 10 / 121,963, filed Apr. 12, 2002, entitled ARTERIAL SPIN LABELING USING TIME VARYING GRADIENTS, which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present application relates to a technique for imaging fluid flow noninvasively using MRI with radio frequency arterial spin labeling and, more particularly, to a labeling technique that permits extension of this technique to a multi-slice or volume examination. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an imaging technique used primarily in medical settings to produce high quality images of the inside of the human body. MRI is based on principles of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), a spectroscopic technique used to obtain microscopic chemical and physical information about molecules. [0004] MR (magnetic resonance) techniques may be used to study fluid flow, such as, for example, blood flow and blood perfusion in t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This approach enhances the sensitivity and accuracy of fluid flow imaging in multi-slice or volume studies while adhering to power deposition limits, effectively addressing the limitations of existing techniques by reducing artifacts and improving image quality.

Problems solved by technology

However, magnetization transfer effects and other unrelated errors may interfere with the procedure by causing more than just the “upstream” fluid to be labeled.

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