FM DANTE fast imaging and variations: Emerging rf-based ultrafast imaging techniques

Abstract

A group of generic radio-frequency-based ultrafast imaging techniques using DANTE principles is reviewed and a new frequency-modulated DANTE (FM DANTE) fast-imaging sequence is discussed together with several application areas developed recently. In the past, the DANTE (delays alternating with nutations for tailored excitation) pulse sequence, based on Fourier transform principles, that were originally developed for solvent suppression in NMR spectroscopy, has been used in motion and flow imaging for tagging purposes. More recently, it has been used for imaging. The major drawback of DANTE fast imaging has been the poor signal-to-noise ratio because of the small excitation profile of DANTE excitation when it is used as an imaging sequence. Several advances have been made in DANTE fast imaging, notably the phase-modulated OUFIS (optimized ultrafast imaging sequence) and FM DANTE. This paper reviews the principles and developments of the DANTE-based, or more generally radio-frequency based, ultrafast imaging techniques, particularly FM DANTE and its applications, such as extended three-dimensional gradient echo imaging, chemical shift imaging, and susceptibility compensation imaging. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.