MR imaging method

US7332909B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS NV · NL

Inventors

• Tobias Schaffter · Hamburg, DE
• Holger Eggers · Eindhoven, NL
• Peter Bornert · Hamburg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 13, 2004
• Grant date: Feb 19, 2008
• Expiry date: Apr 13, 2024

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01R33/56536
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method for generating an MR image of an object situated in an examination volume of an MR apparatus begins with the acquisition of a plurality of echo signals having at least two different echo-time values (t1, t2, t3). The echo signals are generated from high-frequency pulses and magnetic-field gradient pulses by an imaging sequence. An intermediate MR image (5, 6, 7) is then reconstructed for each echo-time value (t1, t2, t3). By analyzing these intermediate MR images (5, 6, 7), local relaxation times (T2*(x)) and/or local frequency shifts (Δω(x)) are determined by taking account of the respective echo-time values (t1, t2, t3). Finally, a definitive MR image (11) is reconstructed from the echo signals (1) in their entirety.