Diffusion-Prepared SPACE sequence: Application to Isotropic 3D T2W Black Blood MRI of the Whole Aortic Wall

T2-weighted MR imaging is a non-invasive way for vasculitis diagnosis. SPACE sequence has been successfully used for T1-weighted aortic wall imaging. While its application in T2w aortic wall imaging is hampered by the long scanning time, blood suppression performance and physiological movement. In this study, three black blood methods with optimized protocols have been tested and evaluated. Diffusion-Prepared SPACE sequence with diastolic acquisition was proved to be a promising way for T2w aortic wall imaging within a clinically acceptable acquisition time.