A keyhole echo planar hybrid imaging technique.

A hybrid keyhole imaging method is presented which demonstrates the combination of two distinctly different MR imaging techniques. In this work single shot EPI was used as a dynamic update scan for a conventional high resolution gradient echo acquisition. Problems associated with the integration of MR data from distinctly different imaging techniques are addressed. Illustration is provided by way of diffusion weighted imaging. This novel development requires further investigation which need not be limited to the hybridization of strictly Cartesian based scanning methods.