Noninterleaved velocity encodings for improved temporal and spatial resolution in phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging.

A segmented k-space acquisition technique using noninterleaved velocity encodings is presented to reduce spatial and temporal blur in phase-contrast cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging. A translating phantom with pulsatile flow was used to simulate imaging of coronary arteries on a 1.5-T GE Echospeed scanner, using both interleaved and noninterleaved velocity encodings. The results demonstrate that the use of noninterleaved velocity encodings reduces spatial and temporal blur by improving the temporal resolution.