Abstract: The present invention relates generally to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and more particularly to a method and apparatus for efficient MRI tissue differentiation using an RF pulse designed to provide a frequency response combining a magnetization transfer contrast and fat saturation simultaneously. The invention includes creating a spectrally selective suppression pulse having an RF pulse profile designed to produce a frequency response with adequate fat suppression and selecting a spectrally selective suppression amplitude to produce a magnetization transfer contrast between two different tissue types, such as between proteinated tissue and water-based tissue. The invention also includes applying the spectrally selective suppression pulse with a flip angle selected to optimize fat suppression and magnetization transfer contrast saturation simultaneously.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 17, 1999
Date of Patent:
July 24, 2001
Assignee:
General Electric Company
Inventors:
Manojkumar Saranathan, Thomas K. F. Foo