A new multi-contrast echo planar imaging sequence called EPIMIX has been described with a 72-75 second long sequence providing a range of contrasts from T1 FLAIR, T2-weighted, T2-FLAIR, GRE T2*, Diffusion and ADC images. We share our experience in a variety of brain conditions, where we employed EPIMIX in addition to standard of care imaging. The best indications to use EPIMIX are sick or un co-operative patients needing faster scan acquisition. This sequence runs out of the box, without any modifications necessary, with the capability to increase the numbers of slices. Inbuilt MOCO (motion correction) aids in improving the image quality in uncooperative patients. Longer processing times are needed, ranging from 6-10 minutes after the scan. Lower signal to noise ratio leads to increased image grain and poorer visualization of interfaces between lesions and normal brain parenchyma
1. Basic physics behind the sequence
2. Contrasts generated from the sequence
3. Pros and Cons of the sequence
4. Clinical experience in different indications: Infarcts, Neoplasms, Headache with normal scans, White matter lesions Infections such as tuberculomas or cysticercosis.
The presentation can be viewed here: Initial Clinical Experiences with EPIMIX
