Real-value representation in inversion-recovery NMR imaging by use of a phase-correction method.

A new technique of real-value representation in inversion-recovery (IR) imaging by use of a phase-correction method is proposed. In this scheme, negative magnetizations at the beginning of the inversion point (T1 approximately equal to 0) are correctly represented as negative values rather than positive. By use of this new scheme, a consistent IR image set as a function of several inversion times (T1) can be obtained. The latter, i.e., consistent image set which represents the real value of T1 weighted images at several inversion times is important in the search for tumors and abnormalities since the inversion time (T1) in the pulse sequence strongly affects T1 contrast.