Abstract: A series of 90.degree. RF pulses (50) are applied, each in the presence of a slab or slice select gradient (52) to excite nuclear magnetic spins in the selected slab. The spins are phase encoded (56). A preliminary read gradient (60) of one polarity and a primary read gradient (62) of the opposite polarity are applied to induce a gradient echo (64) during the primary read gradient. After the primary read gradient, a residual magnetization dephasing gradient pulse (66, 66') is applied, with an alternating polarity from cycle to cycle. The residual magnetization dephasing pulse has an area defined by the product of its duration and amplitude which is selected relative to the area of the preliminary and primary read gradient pulses such that the residual magnetization does not refocus during collection of the gradient echo data in later cycles.