Optimized Gradient Echo Imaging for Hyperpolarised Nuclei - A Simulation Study

Sebastien Br¹, Robert Borowiak¹, Jan-Bernd Hvener¹, Jrgen Hennig¹, Dominik von Elverfeldt¹, Jochen Leupold¹

The gradient echo (GRE) sequence is one of the standard means to image hyperpolarized nuclei. We show Bloch equation based simulations intending to exploit the decaying hyperpolarized signal over as much sequence cycles as possible. Simulations include both RF-spoiled and non-RFspoiled GRE. Parameters under examination are flip angle and the RF spoil increment. Best signal behaviour was obtained for a moderately small flip angle (approx. 10) and a small spoil increment (approx. 1).