Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI
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In view of recent applications in cardiovascular and functional brain imaging, this work revisits the basic performance characteristics of spiral imaging in direct comparison to echo-planar imaging (EPI) and conventional rapid gradient-echo imaging. Using both computer simulations and experiments on phantoms and human subjects at 2.9 T, the study emphasizes single-shot applications and addresses the design of a suitable trajectory, the choice of a gridding algorithm, and the sensitivity to experimental inadequacies. ⋯ Moreover, when ignoring parallel imaging strategies that are also applicable to EPI, improvements of image quality via reduced acquisition periods are only achievable by interleaved multishot spirals because partial Fourier sampling and rectangular fields of view (FOVs) cannot be exploited for non-Cartesian trajectories. Taken together, while spiral imaging may find its niche applications, most high-speed imaging needs are more easily served by EPI.