Wavelet encoding for 3D gradient-echo MR imaging.

An implementation of wavelet encoding to resolve one spatial direction of a three-dimensional gradient-echo magnetic resonance image is described. This is the first report of the use of wavelet encoding with a relatively short repetition time for rapid image acquisition. An important feature of this implementation is that it allows wavelet-encoded images to be reconstructed without phase correction. The images show no discernible degradation compared with images acquired with phase encoding or scaling-function encoding instead of wavelet encoding. In addition to describing the implementation, typical sources of phase errors are investigated both theoretically and experimentally.