Michael Nicholas Hoff1,
Qing-San Xiang1, 2
1Physics,
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; 2Radiology,
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
A method for recovering signal lost near metals in balanced steady free precession (bSSFP) imaging is described. Twelve bSSFP images are acquired with shim gradients applied in six different directions (x, y, and z) at two different phase cycles for added band suppression. The sum of squares of these images is combined with a regular debanded image to yield a composite solution with recovered signal. Residual artifacts could be ameliorated and scan time minimized with an optimal choice of gradient shim orientations and strengths. The technique indicates the potential for bSSFP imaging with comprehensive artifact correction near metals.