Patent ID: 6259940
Filing Date: 2001-07-10
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
A method for producing an image with NMR data acquired from a region of interest in a patient placed in an MRI system, the steps comprising:a) positioning the patient in the MRI system;b) acquiring NMR image data from the region of interest using the MRI system to perform a two-dimensional imaging pulse sequence using a de-rated magnetic gradient;c) reconstructing a two-dimensional image from the acquired two-dimensional NMR image data;d) employing the two-dimensional image to detect the presence of disease in the region of interest;e) acquiring NMR image data from the region of interest using the MRI system to perform a three-dimensional imaging pulse sequence if disease is present in the region of interest as determined by an examination of the two-dimensional image; andf) reconstructing a three-dimensional image from the acquired three-dimensional NMR image data.