Two-Point Dixon Imaging with Flexible Echo Times & a Region Growing-Based Postprocessing Algorithm

Jingfei Ma¹

Water and fat separation using a two-point Dixon technique is possible with images obtained at flexible echo times. However, postprocessing has previously been based on a statistical iterative process and involved a specific fat signal model and empirical image thresholding. In this study, we propose an alternative strategy that includes a precalibration method for determining the complex fat signal variation with echo times and a fully automated region growing algorithm for phase correction. Successful application of the proposed strategy was demonstrated by phantom and in vivo images obtained using a 3D dual-echo acquisition with flexible echo times.