Time-Resolved pCASL MRA Using A Multi-Echo 3D-Radial SPGR Sequence

Motivation: To improve signal, spatial and temporal resolution, and acquisition time for time resolved ASL imaging for cerebral angiography. Goal(s): To exploit a time-resolved multi-echo radial 3D ASL sequence to acquire ASL MRA data in a shorter amount of time. Approach: We performed three flip angle optimized scans with a 1, 2, and 3 echo readout, respectively, and compared image quality and acquisition time. Results: Using a 3-echo readout, scan time could be reduced from 9:32 min to 6:23 min, without the loss of image quality. Multi-echo scans even showed more details than in the single-echo case. Impact: Multi-echo 3D radial ASL angiography enables substantial scan time reduction for high-resolution time-resolved cerebral angiography. This will improve clinical applicability and scanner throughput, avoid the use of contrast agents, and is of direct benefit to patients.