Abstract: An eddy current correction method is provided for use in an MR system disposed to generate difflusion-weighted echo planar images by employing a bipolar diffusion-weighting gradient as well as the nominal components in an echo planar imaging pulse sequence. The correction method comprises the steps of deriving eddy current parameters (i.e., amplitude and time constant) associated with each eddy-current-induced magnetic field component caused by the diffusion-weighting gradient, and generating a set of correction terms, each of the correction terms being a function of the parameters. The method includes the further steps of modifyg a set of ideal echo planar imaging gradients and the receiver phase and frequency to respectively offset the eddy current induced magnetic field gradient and the spatially independent B.sub.0 -magnetic field. The modification occurs in two stages.

Abstract: A calibration scan is used to acquire a test data set from which eddy currents induced by a test gradient pulse can be both spatially and temporally resolved. Compensation parameters are calculated and used to offset the measured eddy currents.

Abstract: An off-center NMR image is produced using an EPI pulse sequence. The offset along the readout gradient axis is achieved by shifting the frequency of an RF reference signal used to demodulate the received NMR echo signals. Phase errors produced by the NMR system and by the shifts in reference signal frequency are corrected in "real time" by also shifting the phase of the RF reference signal.

Abstract: In a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, a method is provided for reducing oblique Nyquist ghost artifact in an image produced by an oblique EPI scan. Prior to commencing the EPI scan, referencing pre-scans are conducted to generate pre-scan echo trains respectively corresponding to the physical gradient axes. Distortion compensating parameters are derived from the pre-scan echo trains for reducing Nyquist ghost by alternatively modifying the data acquisitions stage of the oblique EPI scan, or the post-data acquisition image processing stage thereof. In one mode of operation, the pre-scan echo trains are generated while a subject is in the MRI system. In another mode of operation, pre-scan echo trains are generated while no subject is present in the MR system, so that the distortion compensating parameters represent characteristics of the MR system only, and thus may be used for EPI scans of different protocols.