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Abstract

A method is provided for rapidly measuring change in T.sub.2 * in a region of an MR imaging subject, the method employing a double gradient echo sequence with spiral readout. In this technique, two gradient echoes are acquired after a single RF excitation. A first readout trajectory spirals out from the center of k-space, i.e., k.sub.r =0, to some maximum radius, and then a second readout trajectory spirals back towards the center of k-space. A gradient echo is formed each time a k-space trajectory passes through the center of k-space. The signal intensity of the two echoes allows the calculation of the T.sub.2 * values on a pixel by pixel basis. The ability to measure changes in T.sub.2 * allows measurement of change in perfusion to be quantified.

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First Claim