"Pulse sequence " - general

The pulse sequences are used to create measurable 2D images for the definition and precise localization of the tissue areas to be examined. The three pulse sequence types mainly used in diagnostics are: - Spin echo sequence - Gradient echo sequence - Inversion recovery sequence

The pulse sequences are selected on the basis of:

- the non-homogeneity of the coil magnetic field - the material (tissue) to be examined and the magnetization properties of the sample - the chemical environment of the sample

One flaw in sequence measurement technology is the fact that the signal intensity falls drastically if measurements are repeated before longitudinal relaxation has been completed. In this case, different tissue structures cannot be clearly differentiated and contrasted. To avoid this problem, it is necessary to carry out a number of measurements (pulse sequences) with a repetition time TR which is relatively short with reference to the relaxation time T1, with a relatively long TR and with a TR in the same range as T1.

(a) Spin echo sequence repetition time TR in roughly the same range: TRT1 (b) Gradient echo sequence (c) Inversion recovery sequence - short repetition time TR: TR<T1 - long repetition time TR : TR>T1

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"Spin echo sequence "

TE - echo time TR - time between pulses (repetition time) t - half echo time FID - free induction decay; MR Signal; As the magnetic field in the large coil of an MRI system is non-homogeneous, the signal intensity rapidly decays, resulting in additional dephasing of the spin. As we know, only a spin which is in phase can produce a measurable signal. The spin echo sequence is a trick to counteract dephasing. Following the 90 pulse, the spins precede and leave the initial shared phase. They dephase and the spins in areas of higher magnetic field intensity precede faster. After a certain time, a 180 pulse is generated. As a result, the spins run 180 about the y-axis. You could say that the clock is turned back from 10 oclock to 2 oclock and the spin has to make its way to 10 oclock again. That not only happens with one spin but with all the spins in the system. It is therefore possible to ensure that all the spins are back in phase after 2 t. A measurable signal (FID) is then created. However, it should be noted that the pulse sequence of several 90 and 180 pulses, with several measurements using a short repetition time TR with reference to the relaxation time T1, results in a reduction in the measurable signal intensity. On order to make the animation clearer and easier to understand, some simplifications have been made. These do not affect the general principle, but are superposed on the processes concerned. 1. Longitudinal relaxation has not been considered (T1=infinite) 2. Precession during the 180 pulse has not been shown, for reasons of clarity. This would also be superimposed.
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"Gradient echo sequence "

TE - echo time TR - time between pulses (repetition time) t - half echo time FID - free induction decay; MR Signal; This pulse sequence is used for examinations of material such as living tissue requiring a short repetition time TR with reference to the relaxation time T1 between the pulses. The flip angle (a) is set to a value determined for diagnostic procedures which must be lower than 90, e.g. 20. The pulse therefore causes transverse magnetization of only 34 % of the maximum value and longitudinal magnetization corresponding to 94% of the maximum value. Sufficient longitudinal magnetization is therefore available for the next pulse. With short repetition times, this is adequate to generate a stronger signal than could be achieved with an angle of 90. As already stated, all the spins must be in phase in order to obtain a measurable signal, and therefore an image. In the gradient echo sequence, dephasing and rephrasing field gradients are switched for this purpose. After the pulse, all the spins are dephased using a field gradient. A short time later, a field gradient of reverse polarity (+) brings all the spins back into phase. As the spins are only in phase for a short time, a measurable signal is produced. After a brief repetition time, an pulse with changing field gradient is generated again until the measurement series is completed.

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"Inversion recovery sequence"

TE - echo time TR - time between pulses (repetition time) t - half echo time FID - free induction decay; MR Signal; With this procedure, a long repetition time TR is required with reference to the relaxation time T1 between the pulses. A preliminary impulse flips the longitudinal magnetization into the opposite direction (by 180, into the negative z direction). Transverse magnetization is not affected. After the 180 radio frequency pulse has been switched off, the spins of all tissue types begin to relax. The objective of this procedure is to suppress signals from certain types of tissue. There is therefore a certain delay before the next 90 pulse. The 90 pulse is not generated until the spin of the tissue type which does not require examination has passed through zero with regard to longitudinal magnetization. This point is reached precisely where the spins are located on the x-y plane. The time between the 180 and 90 pulses is referred to as inversion time.

Following the 90 pulse, another 180 pulse is generated to bring the spins back into phase, as with the spin echo sequence.

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