Dual Contrast 3D-TSE, T2w and FLAIR imaging at 7.0 Tesla

Introduction: Multi slice T2w-TSE and FLAIR-TSE sequences are two of the most important techniques in neuro-radiology. The problem of partial volume effects and inherent CSF-inflow artifacts in FLAIR can be resolved by using a non-selective 3D-TSE acquisition technique with advanced refocusing pulse angle sweep [1]. A disadvantage of 3D TSE sequences with isotropic voxel size smaller than 1mm is the long scan time. High parallel imaging factors (SENSE, SMASH) have been proposed to accelerate the individual sequences. However, acquiring both high resolution T2w as well as FLAIR images in the same patient study results in unacceptable long scan times. Particularly at ultra high field strengths where improved signal to noise allows for higher spatial resolution this introduces practical limitations to resolution that can be reached. The aim of the present study is to develop a 3D TSE sequence that produces both a T2w and a FLAIR image in a single experiment within the scan time of a conventional 3D-FLAIR at 7T.