VET imaging: Magnetic resonance imaging with variable encoding time

A methodology of MRI data acquisition is introduced which involves lengthening the duration of signal readout period with complementary shortening of the phase encode pulses, and vice versa, in sequences where gradient encoding time is limited by RF pulse spacing. This variable encoding time (VET) methodology can be used to increase spatial resolution or reduce data acquisition time in 2D and 3D FT MRI based on CPMG and gradient echo sequences. Advantages of higher image SNR and different spatial frequency distributions in k-space are discussed and evaluated in preliminary experiments.