High-speed interlaced spin-echo magnetic resonance imaging

A new method is introduced for increasing the efficiency in multislice single spin-echo MRI. The method interlaces the excitation and measurement of different slices, resulting in an effective use of the echo delay time between RF excitation and reception. Under certain conditions, the method allows for scan time reduction compared to standard single spin-echo MRI, in particular for long echo times. The technique is demonstrated in examples of brain scans, indicating that a substantial increase is scan speed can be achieved without loss in image signal-to-noise ratio or contrast. Potential applications include perfusion imaging using T-2-contrast agents, as well as BOLD-based functional imaging. Magn Reson Med 43:905-908, 2000. Published 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc(dagger).