Fast 3D chemical shift magnetic resonance imaging

Two methods of water/fat suppression are investigated. The first, selective excitation, suppresses approximately 70% of fat or water signals. The second method, a phase-sensitive modification of the Dixon technique, achieves more than 95% fat or water suppression. Fat-suppressed data acquisition is applied to musculoskeletal and CNS imaging. In comparison to standard 3-D images, these sequences provide an enhanced demonstration of bone marrow and cartilage pathology in musculoskeletal imaging, and better delineation of normal morphology and tumors of the pituitary gland in CNS imaging. The technique is especially effective when used in conjunction with administration of a paramagnetic agent (gadopentetate dimeglumine).<<ETX>>