Abstract: A computer-implemented method of visualizing blood flow through a patient using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) includes receiving an image of the portal venous system of the patient's liver at a full field of view. A reduced field of view is defined which encompasses the portal venous system of the patient's liver and excludes extraneous anatomy in the full field of view. A navigator area is defined in the full field of view and outside of the reduced field of view. Transmit channels are used to selectively excite the reduced field of view and the navigator area throughout a cardiac cycle of the patient. Measurement data is acquired in response to the selective excitation. The acquired data is used to generate time-resolved 3D datasets. Additionally, a 3D visualization of blood flow though the portal venous system is generated based on the time-resolved 3D datasets.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of visualizing blood flow through a patient using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) includes receiving an image of the portal venous system of the patient's liver at a full field of view. A reduced field of view is defined which encompasses the portal venous system of the patient's liver and excludes extraneous anatomy in the full field of view. A navigator area is defined in the full field of view and outside of the reduced field of view. Transmit channels are used to selectively excite the reduced field of view and the navigator area throughout a cardiac cycle of the patient. Measurement data is acquired in response to the selective excitation. The acquired data is used to generate time-resolved 3D datasets. Additionally, a 3D visualization of blood flow though the portal venous system is generated based on the time-resolved 3D datasets.

Abstract: A method for performing multi-slice MR Elastography on an anatomical region of interest associated with a patient includes inducing shear waves at a shear wave frequency value (e.g., between 25-500 Hz) in the anatomical region of interest using an external driver. Next, the anatomical region of interest is imaged during a single patient breath-hold using an MRI acquisition process. Following the MRI acquisition process(es), phase images of the anatomical region of interest are generated based on an acquired RF signal. These phase images may then be processed (e.g., using an inversion algorithm) to generate one or more quantitative images depicting stiffness of the anatomical region of interest. In some embodiments, a wave image is also generated showing propagation of the plurality of shear waves through the anatomical region of interest based on the phase images.

Abstract: A method for performing multi-slice MR Elastography on an anatomical region of interest associated with a patient includes inducing shear waves at a shear wave frequency value (e.g., between 25-500 Hz) in the anatomical region of interest using an external driver. Next, the anatomical region of interest is imaged during a single patient breath-hold using an MRI acquisition process. Following the MRI acquisition process(es), phase images of the anatomical region of interest are generated based on an acquired RF signal. These phase images may then be processed (e.g., using an inversion algorithm) to generate one or more quantitative images depicting stiffness of the anatomical region of interest. In some embodiments, a wave image is also generated showing propagation of the plurality of shear waves through the anatomical region of interest based on the phase images.

Abstract: A system uses a three-dimensional spoiled gradient recalled echo sequence for fat suppression with reduced total acquisition time suitable for acquiring image data under breath-hold conditions using a reversed asymmetry during data acquisition on an opposed phase echo. A system reduces RF pulse repetition time in an MR imaging pulse sequence in an MR imaging device. The system includes an RF pulse generator for generating an RF excitation pulse sequence having a pulse repetition interval. A read-out gradient magnetic field generator generates an asymmetric read-out gradient magnetic field having a readout gradient mid-point occurring prior to an RF echo pulse peak. The RF echo pulse peak is received in response to a generated RF excitation pulse.

Abstract: A system and method of MR imaging is disclosed that includes reconstruction of MR images with uniform or homogeneous fat suppression. An imaging process is performed using partial asymmetric acquisitions in conjunction with zero-filling of k-space for dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging. Data acquisition is carried out in a relatively short period of time which reduces scan time, reduces the likelihood of subject discomfort and motion-induced artifacts, and increases patient throughput.

Abstract: A system uses a three-dimensional spoiled gradient recalled echo sequence for fat suppression with reduced total acquisition time suitable for acquiring image data under breath-hold conditions using a reversed asymmetry during data acquisition on an opposed phase echo. A system reduces RF pulse repetition time in an MR imaging pulse sequence in an MR imaging device. The system includes an RF pulse generator for generating an RF excitation pulse sequence having a pulse repetition interval. A read-out gradient magnetic field generator generates an asymmetric read-out gradient magnetic field having a readout gradient mid-point occurring prior to an RF echo pulse peak. The RF echo pulse peak is received in response to a generated RF excitation pulse.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus (10) acquires a plurality of parametric images (60) with at least one varying imaging parameter. A parametric map (62) is constructed from the plurality of parametric images (60). At least one pilot parameter (64) is identified from at least the parametric map (62). The at least one identified pilot parameter (64) includes at least a volume of interest for a diagnostic image. A contrast agent (54) is administered to the patient (18). The identified volume of interest is imaged during influx of the administered contrast agent (54) into the identified volume of interest. The imaging uses the at least one identified pilot parameter (64).