gSlider-TSE for high-resolution isotropic T2-weighted imaging with high contrast and high SNR

Motivation: Conventional 2D-TSE offers superior tissue contrast compared to 3D-TSE, but its slice thickness is restricted by SNR and slice profile of RF pulse. Goal(s): Our objective was to achieve 0.4mm isotropic T2-weighted imaging with high contrast and high SNR. Approach: Amplitude and phase modulated gSlider pulses were developed and incorporated into 2D-TSE. Their performances were evaluated in phantom and in vivo. Results: The gSlider-TSE achieved 0.4mm isotropic imaging with high accuracy. The SNR was comparable to 8 times averaged conventional 2D-TSE image. Impact: The gSlider-TSE provides high-resolution isotropic imaging with submillimeter slice thickness and high SNR, while preserving the high contrast of conventional 2D-TSE.