Evaluation of T1-weighted black blood imaging using triple inversion recovery

The black blood sequence, in which the blood signal is suppressed, fundamentally provides T2-weighted images. We developed a T1-weighted black blood sequence. This new sequence improved the triple IR sequence that uses three inversion pulses by continuously providing three inversion pulses. By so doing, the sequence lengthens the time from the third inversion pulse to data sampling. The new sequence sets the flip angle of the third inversion pulse to 95-110 degrees. Consequently, the difference in T1 is emphasized in favor of the longitudinal magnetization component with the null point of blood. Data sampling uses the fast spin-echo sequence of a wide sampling bandwidth. The wide bandwidth shortens echo space. T1-weighted black blood images were obtained by these methods. Fat suppression is possible by using a CHESS pulse before data sampling. (author)