Ultra-Short Echo Time Imaging using Pointwise Encoding Time Reduction with Radial Acquisition (PETRA)

David Manuel Grodzki^1,2, Peter M. Jakob¹, Bjoern Heismann²

Sequences with ultra short echo time (TE) enable new applications of MRI, including bone, tendon, ligament and dent imaging. In this work a sequence is presented that achieves the shortest possible TE given by TX/RX switching time and gradient performance of the MR Scanner. In PETRA (Pointwise Encoding Time reduction with Radial Acquisition) outer k-space is filled with radial half-projections whereas the centre is measured single pointwise on a Cartesian trajectory. This hybrid sequence combines the features of single point imaging with radial projection imaging. No hardware changes are required.