General algorithm for automated off-center MRI

A general formula was derived that automatically modifies any MRI pulse sequence to realize arbitrary field‐of‐view (FOV) shifts. Unlike conventional techniques for implementing off‐center MRI, the new method is completely automatic and can therefore be incorporated into the scanner hardware or software, thereby simplifying the development of MRI pulse sequences. The algorithm was incorporated into a visual pulse sequence programming environment, and several pulse sequences were programmed and tested at various off‐center locations using the new technique. Unless there is significant background field inhomogeneity or gradient nonlinearity, research sequences employing the automatic technique need only be programmed and tested at the gradient isocenter, whereas with conventional methods, artifacts can sometimes depend on the position of the FOV. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.