Patent ID: 10120054

Abstract:
A method and apparatus for parallel MR imaging include the steps of: —subjecting a portion of a body (10) to a first imaging sequence (21,22) of RF pulses and switched magnetic field gradients, wherein first MR signals (11,12) are acquired via at least two RF coils having different spatial sensitivity profiles within the examination volume, —deriving the spatial sensitivity profiles of the at least two RF coils from the acquired first MR signals, —subjecting the portion of the body to a second imaging sequence of RF pulses and switched magnetic field gradients, wherein second MR signals are acquired by parallel acquisition via the at least two RF coils with sub-sampling of k-space, and—reconstructing a MR image from the acquired second MR signals and from the spatial sensitivity profiles of the at least two RF coils. A type and/or parameters of the first imaging sequence are selected automatically depending on the presence of a metal implant in the body. The selection of the type of the first imaging sequence is made between a gradient echo sequence, if no metal implants are present, and a spin echo sequence or a stimulated echo sequence, if a metal implant is present.