(CISS) This gradient echo sequence is a stimulated T2 echo. Two TrueFISP sequences are acquired with differing RF pulses and than combined for strong T2 Weighted high resolution 3D images.
These TrueFISP sequences are normally affected by dark phase dispersion bands, which are caused by patient induced local field inhomogeneities and made prominent by the relatively long TR used. The different excitation pulse regimes offset these bands in the 2 sequences. Combining the images results in a picture free of banding. The image combination is performed automatically after data collection, adding some time to the reconstruction process. The advantage of the 3D CISS sequence is its combination of high signal levels and extremely high spatial resolution.
Used for, e.g. inner ear, cranial nerves and cerebellum.

See also Steady State Free Precession.

(DE FGR) A gradient echo sequence using a pulse, which sensitizes the sequence to variations in T2, rather than waiting for T1 relaxation.
See Driven Equilibrium, Gradient Recalled Echo Sequence and Steady State Free Precession.

(DESS) This sequence was originally known as FADE. It combines both the gradient echoes acquired in FISP and PSIF sequences in separate acquisition periods during a single interpulse interval. Phase encoding gradients are balanced to maintain the transverse steady state signals. The frequency encoding gradient is left on for the period of both the echoes, and is incompletely balanced to avoid dark banding artifacts otherwise associated with long TR fully balanced steady state sequences. The contrast of DESS is quite unique, true T2 or T1 contrast weighting is not possible. There is a strong fluid signal but fat is bright and other soft tissues appear similar to the short TR FISP image.
Used for, e.g. the joints, cartilage and the prostate.

See Steady State Free Precession and Dual Echo Sequence.

(ESR) Electron spin resonance is a spectroscopic technique to identify paramagnetic substances. This magnetic resonance phenomenon investigates the nature of the bonding within molecules by identifying unpaired electrons, e.g. in free radicals and their interaction with their immediate surroundings. The Larmor frequency are much higher than corresponding NMR frequencies in the same static magnetic field.
Nuclei with an odd number of neutrons and/or protons, because of their spin, react like tiny magnets and can be lined up in an applied magnetic field. Energy applied by alternating radio frequency radiation is absorbed when its frequency coincides with that of precession of the electron magnets. The spectrum of radiation absorbed as the field changes gives information valuable in chemistry, biology, and medicine since over 50 years.

(FIESTA) The fast imaging employing steady state acquisition sequence provides images of fluid filled structures with very short acquisition times. The FIESTA sequence uses the T2 steady state contrast mechanism to provide high SNR images with strong signal from fluid tissues while suppressing background tissue for contrast and anatomic detail of small structures. In addition, the ultra short TR and TE enable extremely short acquisition times - shorter than FSE - and the images can be post processed using MIP, volume rendering, or 3D navigator techniques.

See Steady State Free Precession.