Prospectively Navigated Multi-Echo GRE Sequence for Improved 2D BOLD Imaging of the Kidneys

Glen Morrell¹, Eun-Kee Jeong¹, Xianfeng Shi¹, Lei Zhang¹, Vivian S. Lee¹

A prospectively navigated free breathing multiple echo GRE sequence with constant repetition time has been implemented to improve T2* estimation in the kidneys (renal BOLD imaging). The new sequence allows imaging times longer than a single breath hold, enabling the flexible tradeoff of imaging time for resolution and SNR. The new sequence gives renal T2* maps with markedly improved resolution and SNR compared to conventional single breath hold imaging.