New method of data acquisition in k-space in magnetic resonance imaging

We propose a new MRI acquisition method where data are collected from multiple directions in k-space. Its principal advantages are the reduction in acquisition time and the improvement of the signal to noise ratio. The potential disadvantage of the method is a loss in resolution. We have implemented the method and compared it with conventional truncated Fourier imaging using simulated objects, physical phantoms and human brains. The results show noise reduction ranging 25 - 40%. For brain images the loss of resolution is difficult to detect. The use of the method is recommended in applications where the signal to noise is poor, such as image subtraction in functional imaging.