Fast and motion robust brain examination using simultaneous multi-slice turbo gradient spin echo BLADE Sequence

Motivation: PROPELLER/BLADE is robust to motion in brain imaging but comes at the cost of longer acquisition time. Goal(s): Our goal was to reduce the acquisition time of commercial sequences (BLADE and EPI) based brain motion-insensitive workflow by a factor of 2. Approach: The SMS-TGSE-BLADE sequence was developed with acceleration techniques, including in-plane GRAPPA, SMS, and EPI readout. Results: Comparable image quality was obtained with the SMS-TGSE-BLADE sequence with more than 2-fold decrease in acquisition time. Impact: The improvement in acquisition speed in the motion-insensitive brain examination (including T1-FLAIR, T2W, T2-FLAIR and DWI) through SMS-TGSE-BLADE sequence may increase patient comfort. It can also increase patient throughput and cost efficiency of healthcare providers.