Week 5 Flashcards
What is a pulse sequence in MRI?
The process of acquiring image data by disorienting net magnetization with RF pulses
What are the four types of traditional Pulse sequences?
- Spin echo (SE)
- Inversion recovery (IR)
- Gradient echo (GE)
- Echo planar imaging (EPI)
The pulse sequence is represented by a timing diagram that details the RF pulse and gradient variation events. What are the five events recorded in a pulse sequence timing diagram?
- RF transmission (RF-t)
- RF receive (RF-t)
- Slice select
- Readout
- Phase
What is Echo time (TE)?
The time it takes to complete an entire sequence
What is TE measured in?
Milliseconds (ms)
What interval denotes 1 full TE period?
From the 90° pulse all the way to the resulting echo
In the pulse sequence timing diagram, the interval from the 90° pulse to the 180° pulse would represent how much of a TE period?
Half of 1 TE period
What happens during the first event of the timing diagram, RF-t?
An RF pulse flips net magnetization into the transverse direction
What is another term for the RF transmit event?
Excitation event
The excitation event always begins with a 90° initial pulse, followed by 180° pulse. True or false?
False; it normally is, but could also be a flip angle
Once net magnetization is flipped during RF-t, what happens during the second event (RF-r)?
The signal created by the relaxing magnetization immediately begins to weaken.
The “Dephasing event” is another term used for which event?
The second event, RF-receive
Explain what free induction decay (FID) refers to.
The signal that’s produced by the protons during the relaxation/dephasing process.
*Remember, T2 relaxation and amplitude
When does the third event, slice select, take place?
Slice selection occurs during the first event, RT-t
The slice select event allows for a specific slice to be singled out in the body on the chosen plane (sagittal, coronal, axial). What is this phenomena known as?
Spatial localization
How many times does the fourth event occur?
- the readout gradient is active during RF-t, RF-r, and slice selection.
- Turns on again during the resultant echo
What does the readout gradient do while it’s active?
It’s samples the signal produced by the excitation event, dephasing event, and any subsequent echoes.
The readout gradient samples the signals produced. What is this process called?
Frequency encoding
When does the fifth event occur?
The phase gradient is active between the 90° and 180° pulse
What is the phase gradient determined by?
The number of phase encoding lines in a slice
What are the two types of spin echo pulse sequences?
- Conventional spin echo (CSE)
- Fast spin Echo (FSE)
Conventional spin echoes can be T1 weighted, T2 weighted, or proton density weighted. True or false?
True
Conventional spin echo pulse sequences are traditional and basic. When are they utilized?
Never, obsolete
How many echoes are contained per one single TE period in a CSE? How does this affect scan time?
One; very long scan times.
FSEs are significantly faster that CSEs. Why?
Because of their added echo train length.
Fast spin echo pulse sequences can be T1 or T2 weighted, but not proton density weighted. True or false?
False; similar to conventional, FSEs can be T1, T2, or PD weighted.
What makes an inversion recovery pulse sequence different than a spin echo sequence?
IR contains an additional 180° pulse before the initial 90° pulse
What does inversion time (TI) refer to?
The time between the pre-180° pulse to the 90° pulse during an inversion recovery pulse sequence
Approximately how long are inversion times during STIR imaging?
100-150 ms