Misung Han1,2, Brian A. Hargreaves1
1Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; 2Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
Spoiled gradient echo sequences eliminate transversal magnetization using RF spoiling and spoiler gradients to provide T1-weighted images. Generally, many RF excitations are required to attain steady-state magnetization levels. Therefore, when unsaturated spins are flowing into the imaging volume, inflow enhancement occurs at entry slices of the slab. We show that by applying partial pre-saturating of the flowing spins, a uniform signal profile can be provided within the imaging slab, with the same contrast as stationary spins. We verified this by magnetization simulation, flow phantom experiments, and in vivo experiments in carotid arteries.