Fast magnetization transfer MR imaging

We have implemented a new magnetization transfer (MT) technique, to decrease total imaging time and thus improve efficiency of MT based MRI. By judiciously rescaling different RF pulses, and utilizing maximum transmitter gain, we were able to generate very short and powerful MT pulse(s). MRI and MRA in normal and patients with MS were performed, with and without MT application. Phantom experiments indicated 1-2 kHz offset to be the optimal. MT based MRA demonstrated substantial improvement in conspicuity of small vessels with minimum increase in imaging time. MT based MRI showed 30% improvement in MT contrast as well. Importantly, both peak and average SAR values were within FDA approved safety limits