A Simple Method for Increasing the Number of Echoes & Decreasing Echo Spacing in T2 Spectrum Analysis

Marshall S. Sussman¹

A key requirement of measuring T₂ spectra is high quality data. Specifically; high SNR, a large number of echoes, and short echo spacing. Most in vivo implementations achieve high data quality exclusively through the use of multiple averages to increase SNR. In this study, we present a very simple technique that also uses multiple acquisitions to improve data quality. However, the novel feature of this technique is that multiple acquisitions are used to allow for more flexible echo spacing and a larger number of echoes. This additional flexibility may bring the promise of T₂ spectrum analysis closer to clinical reality.