Special Pulse Sequences for Cardiac Imaging

Abstract

Spin echo and Gradient echo pulse sequences form the basis for all the advanced pulse sequences that are used in cardiac applications. For most cardiac synchronized applications, the “Fast” or “turbo” variant of the pulse sequence is used, that is, fast or turbo spin echo and fast or turbo gradient echo (see Chap. 15). Depending on the application, further pulses may be added as preparation pulses in order to modify the contrast or to suppress the signal from particular tissue types or regions. The addition of preparation pulses is known as Magnetization Preparation. The following sections describe the most common preparation scheme and pulse sequence combinations that are in use for cardiac imaging. Where possible, the common generic and vendor-specific names are given for each technique.