Abstract: Systems and methods for performing fast multi-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) are provided. In general, data are acquired from both multiple echo times (“TEs”) and at multiple effective inversion times (“TIs”). Following the application of a magnetization preparation radio frequency (“RF”) pulse, a plurality of different multi-echo acquisitions are performed, thereby acquiring data from multiple different TEs during different portions of the longitudinal magnetization recovery curve. Data acquisition in these inner encoding loops (i.e., during each multi-echo acquisition) can be accelerated to efficiently provide for the acquisition of multiple contrasts in the time normally required to acquire a single contrast.

Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating frequency drifts in magnetic resonance signals acquired with a magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) system are provided. In one example, the frequency drifts are estimated from phase-correction data that are obtained during an echo-planar imaging (“EPI”), or other multiecho imaging, scan. The systems and methods of the present invention provide for efficiently and accurately computing frequency drift values that can be used for real-time, prospective frequency drift correction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing fast multi-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) are provided. In general, data are acquired from both multiple echo times (“TEs”) and at multiple effective inversion times (“TIs”). Following the application of a magnetization preparation radio frequency (“RF”) pulse, a plurality of different multi-echo acquisitions are performed, thereby acquiring data from multiple different TEs during different portions of the longitudinal magnetization recovery curve. Data acquisition in these inner encoding loops (i.e., during each multi-echo acquisition] can be accelerated to efficiently provide for the acquisition of multiple contrasts in the time normally required to acquire a single contrast.

Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating frequency drifts in magnetic resonance signals acquired with a magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) system are provided. In one example, the frequency drifts are estimated from phase-correction data that are obtained during an echo-planar imaging (“EPI”), or other multiecho imaging, scan. The systems and methods of the present invention provide for efficiently and accurately computing frequency drift values that can be used for real-time, prospective frequency drift correction.