Diffusion imaging using stimulated echoes

The application of stimulated echo acquisition mode (STEAM) sequences for NMR imaging of diffusion is especially suited for spins with T1 much greater than T2 as, e.g., encountered in proton NMR studies of biological systems. Molecular self-diffusion coefficients may be calculated from a set of diffusion-weighted images acquired with different gradient strengths. A variation of the diffusion time allows the determination of restricted and/or anisotropic diffusion in cellular systems ranging from plants to humans. Problems associated with the presence of unavoidable macroscopic motions in vivo are demonstrated in diffusion studies of human brain. Motion ghosting in diffusion-weighted images may be overcome by means of a high-speed STEAM sequence yielding single-shot images within subsecond acquisition times.