Time-varying view angle tilting with spiral readout gradients

The conventional Fourier-transform-based spin-echo sequence with a view angle tilting gradient during data acquisition can correct the in-plane distortion induced by a chemical shift or B0 field inhomogeneity. However, when extended for 3D applications, alternate k-space sampling can be beneficial for reducing the lengthy scan time. As spiral trajectories have high k-space acquisition efficiency, we investigated the applicability of spiral trajectory on a spin-echo view angle tilting pulse sequence. Computer simulations and phantom and in vivo experiments were performed to validate the usage of spiral readout gradients in the presence of a view angle tilting gradient. The results show that as long as the readout time is comparable to Cartesian readout, the resulting images have similar quality. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.