Imaging time reduction through multiple receiver coil data acquisition and image reconstruction

A technique is described for the simultaneous acquisition of MRI data using two independent receiver coils surrounding the same region of tissue, which enables the collection of data necessary for image reconstruction in a reduced number of phase-encoded acquisitions. This results in a 50% reduction in minimum scan time and may be useful in time-critical procedures. The algorithm and imaging procedures are described, and example images are shown that illustrate the reconstruction. Signal to noise is decreased by the square root of the time savings, making this technique applicable to cases in which the need to decrease minimum scan time outweighs the signal to noise penalty.