FLASH: clinical three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract

Using 3-D FLASH, high resolution, very thin section T1 weighted images of the CNS, spine, and extremities can be obtained. From these single data sets, reformatted images whose resolution is equal to that of the original data set can be constructed in any desired plane. This approach may lead to the replacement of conventional T1 weighted spin echo imaging by 3-D FLASH techniques.

MRI diagnosis of dural sinus—Cortical venous thrombosis: Immediate post-contrast 3D GRE T1-weighted imaging versus unenhanced MR venography and conventional MR sequences

“…GRE MR sequences allow acquisition of T1-weighted 3D data sets of the brain that can be post-processed and reformatted to provide images in multiple planes, so-called multiplanar reconstruction [6]. For this purpose, slices of 1 mm thickness are gained with isotropic voxels.…”

Clinical comparison of three‐dimensional MP‐RAGE and FLASH techniques for MR imaging of the head

“…gradient-echo techniques (5) in the late 1980s permitted for the first time clinical acquisition of high-resolution volume data sets, with the potential for 3D reconstruction as required for diagnostic evaluation, surgery, or radiation therapy in anatomic regions such as the brain and extremities. Depending on the choice of TR (20-50 msec) and matrix size, acquisition times varied from 10 to 20 minutes, still substantially longer (6) than that for conventional thick-section, single-plane (2D).…”

Three‐dimensional T1‐weighted gradient echo is a suitable alternative to two‐dimensional T1‐weighted spin echo for imaging the canine brain

“…Relatively short acquisition times permit the use of GE for three‐dimensional (3D) acquisition, also known as volumetric imaging (VOL). This is the simultaneous acquisition of data from an entire volume of tissue, in a single acquisition using a nonselective excitation pulse . Use of GE to acquire VOL images of the brain has been frequently described in the human literature …”

“…Spoiled GE sequences, for example, a fast low‐angle shot (FLASH) sequence, can be used to generate T1W VOL images, with good temporal and spatial resolution . Spoiled gradient echo uses a steady state, by using a very short TR and a medium flip angle, and a short TE to minimize T2* effects .…”

“…Spoiled gradient echo uses a steady state, by using a very short TR and a medium flip angle, and a short TE to minimize T2* effects . T1W VOL images are acquired in very thin slices (<1 mm) ideally with isotropic voxels, without a slice gap, that allow image reformatting so that the voxels can be displayed as a new matrix of pixels without loss of spatial resolution . Therefore, only one volumetric acquisition is required, but images can be reformatted to allow assessment of transverse, sagittal, or dorsal planes, reducing total image acquisition time compared to acquiring 2D images in all three planes …”