Clinical experience with rapid 2DFT SSFP imaging at low field strength.

A retrospective analysis of clinical imaging using 2DFT SSFP at 0.14 T is presented. The technique's potential for tissue characterization and its utility for clinical diagnosis were tested by both in vitro measurements of various tissues and in vivo clinical images. Different pulse angles not only influenced image contrast, but also helped characterize lesions, particularly those containing fat. In addition, the pulse angle changed the signal from venous flow perpendicular to the imaged slice. The slow flow sensitivity of the 2DFT SSFP technique was demonstrated in the detection of CSF motion. Rapid SSFP offers flow sensitivity and adequate lesion detecting ability, along with high patient throughput.