Sagittal diffusion and perfusion magnetic resonance imaging can provide unique contrast relevant to changes in the acute spinal cord injury. However, sagittal diffusion imaging with echo planar imaging often results in severe motion and susceptibility artifacts. To improve the quality of imaging, we propose a higher-order diffusion preparation combined with a fast spin echo readout. The proposed method demonstrates high quality imaging free from artifacts. Further optimization achieved more accurate diffusivity measurements independent from direction of the cord. Lastly, we show matching diffusion and perfusion maps of the injured cord, highlighting clear spatial differences in microstructure and vasculature injuries.
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