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Abstract #2094

Improved 3D TFEPI ASL with Flip Angle Sweep

Fernando F. Paiva1, Bernd U. Foerster2, Rafael G. Oliveira3, Fernanda Tovar-Moll1, Jorge Moll1

1D'Or Institute for Research & Education, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; 2Philips Medical Systems; 3InRad-Hospital das Clinicas, Magnetic Resonance Department, Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo


Due to the intrinsic low SNR, EPI-based ASL requires several signal averages to achieve a reliable measurement. A possible approach to overcome this SNR issue is based on using single-shot 3D EPI. However, the ASL signal evolves during the data acquisition and this can result in image blurring if not taken into account. In the present study we present an optimization for a 3D gradient echo EPI acquisition scheme by exploring a modulation of the flip angle of the MR acquisition to keep the ASL contrast constant over the 3D image readout.

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