Ultrafast magnetic resonance imaging. Segmented turboflash, echo-planar, and real-time nuclear magnetic resonance.

Ultrafast magnetic resonance imaging refers to a group of techniques developed with the sole purpose of acquiring images in a very rapid fashion. Ultrafast magnetic resonance imaging has other benefits besides capture of transient events. Not all patients have a stable heart rate, and many cannot tolerate remaining still and breathing quietly for long periods while lying inside of a scanner. Fast imaging reliably acquires data, even if the patient moves or is arrhythmic. This article describes strategies, applications, advantages, and limitations of ultrafast imaging.