Intravoxel incoherent motion imaging using steady‐state free precession

IVIM MR imaging is a method which generates images of diffusion and perfusion in vivo. Until now, intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) images have been obtained using spin‐echo sequences with extragradient pulses, resulting in long acquisition times (typically 2 × 8 min 32 s). A new method is proposed here, using steady‐state free precession (SSFP), which allows IVIM images to be obtained in a couple of minutes. Phantom studies showed that the sensitivity of SSFP to IVIMs is much greater than that of spin echoes. In vivo images are shown.