Fast magnetic resonance imaging techniques

This article reviews fast magnetic resonance (MR) techniques currently used for body imaging. Improvements in gradient performance have made very short repetition and echo times on clinical scanners feasible, thus enabling subsecond image acquisition. The article provides a fundamental overview of the technical aspects from the concept of k-space and k-space segmentation technique, fast MR imaging techniques including fast spin echo, fast gradient echo with or without magnetization preparation to echo planar and hybrid techniques. The article also addresses the use of different fat suppression techniques in MR imaging of the body and improvements in coil technology to obtain faster images and higher signal-to-noise. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All lights reserved.