Abstract: Contrast preparation based on Modified Driven Equilibrium Fourier Transfer generates T1 weighted images for assessment of the myocardial perfusion with contrast agent first-pass kinetics. The preparation scheme produces T1 contrast with insensitivity to arrhythmias in prospectively triggered sequential imaging thereby eliminating one of the major sources of problems in potential patient studies with previously employed contrast preparations schemes.

Abstract: A method for achieving plane rotations using symmetrical adiabatic and composite pulses provides that the pulses are generated to include a pair of symmetrically positioned discontinuous phase shifts of equal but opposite magnitude and, in the case of adiabatic pulses, a flip in the effective B.sup.e executed concomitantly with the discontinuous phase shifts. Methods of spectral editing utilize the symmetrical pulse form with the discontinuous phase shifts accomplished with predetermined delays between segments of a pulse.

Abstract: Two amplitude/frequency/phase modulated pulses that can achieve 90.degree. plane rotations over large B.sub.1 field inhomogeneities are described. The pulses achieve this by use of a "flip" in the direction of the effective B.sub.1 field half-way through the pulse, and by use of a discontinuous phase jump in addition to continuous frequency of phase modulation. These pulse can be used for rotation of magnetization vectors between any plane that is perpendicular to the transverse plane and the transverse plane of the rotating reference frame. Consequently, then can be used for interchanging amplitude and phase information and converting amplitude modulated rotating frame experiments into phase modulated experiments.

Abstract: Several magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods using adiabatic excitation are disclosed. One method accomplishes slice selection with gradient modulated adiabatic excitation. Another method employs slice selection with adiabatic excitation despite large variations in B.sub.1 magnitude. There is also described .sup.1 H spectroscopy using solvent suppressive adiabatic pulses.

Abstract: Two amplitude/frequency/phase modulated pulses that can achieve 90.degree. plane rotations over large B.sub.1This invention was made with Government support under Grant No. HL 33600 awarded by NIH. The Government has certain rights in the invention.