(CISS) This gradient echo sequence is a stimulated T2 echo. Two TrueFISPsequences are acquired with differing RF pulses and than combined for strong T2 Weighted high resolution 3D images.
These TrueFISPsequences 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.
(FID) A free inductiondecay curve is generated as excited nuclei relax. The amplitude of the FID signal becomes smaller over time as net magnetization returns to equilibrium.
If transverse magnetization of the spins is produced, e.g. by a 90° pulse, a transient MR signal will result that will decay toward zero with a characteristic time constant T2 (or T2*); this decaying signal is the free inductiondecay.
The signal peaks of the echoes fall onto this T2decay curve, while at each echo the signals arise and decay with T2*. The typical T2 relaxationtimes being of the order of 5-200 ms in the human body.
The first part of the FID is not observable (named the 'receiver dead time') caused by residual effects of the powerful exciting radio frequency pulse on the electronics of the receiver.
(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.