Patent ID: 6201986
Filing Date: 2001-03-13
Classification: A61B,G01R

Abstract:
A method for acquiring MRA data with an MRI system, the steps comprising:a) injecting the patient with a contrast agent that enhances NMR signals;b) detecting arrival of contrast agent in a region of interest to be imaged;c) performing a series of imaging pulse sequences with the MRI system after detecting the arrival of contrast agent in step b) to acquire MRA data from the patient from which an image of the region of interest can be reconstructed, this acquisition including:i) a first acquisition time period prior to peak NMR signal enhancement by the contrast agent during which a portion of said series of imaging pulse sequences are performed to sample k-space in a trajectory directed inward toward the center of k-space; andii) a second acquisition time period after peak enhancement by the contrast agent during which the remainder of said series of imaging pulse sequences are performed to sample k-space in a trajectory directed outward away from the center of k-space.