Patent ID: 8509874

Claim:
A method for producing a non-contrast enhanced image of a subject with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, the steps comprising: a) identifying a desired imaging slab extending parallel to an imaging plane including at least a portion of the pulmonary vein; b) performing a pulse sequence with the MRI system that includes: i) applying an inversion recovery radiofrequency (RF) pulse in an inversion slab oriented in an inversion plane that extends not parallel to the imaging plane and not including the pulmonary vein of the subject; ii) allowing a selected inversion time (TI) to pass following the application of the inversion recovery RF pulse; iii) following the TI, acquiring image data from the desired imaging slab; and c) reconstructing an image of the subject including at least the portion of the pulmonary vein from the acquired image data.