Enhanced Volumetric Brain MRI with Simultaneous Multi-Contrast Imaging: A Spiral Spin-Echo Sequence with Localized Quadratic Encoding

Motivation: Traditional 2D FSE MRI is limited by SNR efficiency, scan duration, and resolution. While 3D FSE techniques achieve isotropic resolution, they often suffer from B1+-dependent TEs and T2 blurring. Goal(s): To enable simultaneous T2, T2*, and PD imaging with volumetric coverage, isotropic resolution, and optimized SNR. Approach: This sequence employs a hybrid spin-echo, gradient-echo with localized quadratic encoding and spiral trajectories, utilizing sliding-slice and a unique loop ordering to minimize artifacts and improve cross-contrast alignment. Results: Brain imaging demonstrates reduced motion artifacts and enhanced imaging across contrasts, highlighting this method's promise for efficient, high-quality, multi-contrast MRI. Impact: This MRI sequence enables high-quality, simultaneous T2, T2*, and PD imaging with volumetric coverage and isotropic resolution. Its optimized SNR and artifact reduction improve diagnostic accuracy and cross-contrast alignment, enhancing clinical brain imaging effectiveness.