Abstract: A method of reconstructing an image from an MRI machine includes receiving a superposition of phase-weighted spin echoes. This is representative of a two-dimensional spin density that encodes the image. A partial spin density is then recovered from the superposition of spin echoes. This partial spin density is a PERL transform of the two-dimensional spin density. The two-dimensional spin density is then recovered from the partial spin density by analytically evaluating an inverse PERL transform of the partial spin density.

Abstract: An rf surface coil for MRI is described. The surface coil is made of a trace of a high conductivity material having a length, width and thickness and having a surface defined by the length and the width. The coil has a radius and a longitudinal axis at the center of the coil. The trace is arranged in a loop with one end in proximity to the other end with the surface facing the inside of the loop, wherein the surface is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the coil. The ratio of the width of the coil to the radius of the coil is 0.3 or greater and the thickness of the trace is sufficient to provide an rf skin effect. Circuit designs for inductively coupling the decoupling the surface coil from a volume coil during rf excitation are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing MRI are disclosed wherein the encoding field has a multidimensional, preferably periodic, dependence. Two dimensional image information can be obtained without the necessity for switching the encoding field. Further, velocity information can be obtained. Preferred coil structures for providing preferred encoding fields are described.

Abstract: A method of simultaneous multinuclear magnetic resonance imaging and spatially localized NMR spectroscopy is disclosed. Clinical implementation of the disclosed method allows routine in vivo NMR spectroscopy studies without significantly increasing the time of conventional MR imaging studies. A unique sequence of rf excitation and magnetic gradient pulses is used which allows chemical shift imaging data to be acquired simultaneously with conventional imaging data. A deconvolution method extracts the chemical shift information for analysis and display.