Highly segmented skipped-CAIPI 3D-EPI with a modified interleaved Flyback and partial Fourier acquisition for fast MR angiography

Motivation: As of yet, ghosting and signal dropouts limit the usability of EPI sequences for MRA-TOF compared to well-established methods such as GRE-TOF. Goal(s): Our goal was to mitigate flow artifacts in MRA-TOF images at short acquisition times whilst improving the efficiency of previous techniquesApproach: We introduced a novel Flyback sampling approach in a highly segmented skipped-CAIPI 3D-EPI sequence with phase partial Fourier to acquire in vivo data at a resolution of 0.6mm isotropic at 7T within about one minute. Results: The in vivo measurements show a significant reduction in ghosting and signal dropout and improved resolution of small vessels in TOF MIPs. Impact: Reduced acquisition times and flow artifacts of highly segmented skipped-CAIPI 3D-EPI with a modified, interleaved Flyback acquisition and partial Fourier may increase the applicability of EPI for fast MRA-TOF.