Multi-echo bipolar pulse sequences are becoming increasingly popular in structural brain imaging applications that require high SNR efficiency and minimal geometrical distortions or water-fat shifts. However, various discrepant expressions for the SNR as a function of T2* and the sampling bandwidth were previously reported, making it unclear as to how multiple bipolar echoes should be combined to maximize SNR. In this study, we compare some traditional single-echo (low-bandwidth) FLASH and MPRAGE sequences with their multi-echo bipolar (high bandwidth) counterparts and validate the SNR theory via phantom measurements. Bipolar MPRAGE/FLASH yield SNR gains of ~1.3/1.6-fold, in good agreement with the theory.
How to access this content:
For one year after publication, abstracts and videos are only open to registrants of this annual meeting. Registrants should use their existing login information. Non-registrant access can be purchased via the ISMRM E-Library.
After one year, current ISMRM & ISMRT members get free access to both the abstracts and videos. Non-members and non-registrants must purchase access via the ISMRM E-Library.
After two years, the meeting proceedings (abstracts) are opened to the public and require no login information. Videos remain behind password for access by members, registrants and E-Library customers.
Keywords