Sequence Overview
Sequence Type: Enhanced Gradient Echo (GRE) / Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging (SWI) Hybrid

Field Strength: 1.5T / 3T / 7T (Research Use)

Primary Applications:

Neuroimaging (microbleeds, veins, iron deposition)

MSK (cartilage, trabecular bone imaging)

Abdominal (liver iron quantification)

Vendor Classification: Proprietary EGS Protocol (Enhanced Gradient System)

Core Technical Parameters
1. Sequence Encoding (VM2104.0000)
VM2104: Volumetric Multi-Echo Acquisition (4 echoes)

.0000: High-Precision Reconstruction Algorithm

2. Acquisition Parameters
TR (Repetition Time): 35-50 ms (adjustable in steps of 5 ms)

TE (Echo Times): 5 ms, 12 ms, 20 ms, 28 ms (multi-echo for SWI/QSM)

Flip Angle: 15° (default, adjustable 10°-25°)

Bandwidth: ±50 kHz (high-speed readout, reduces distortion)

Resolution:

In-Plane: 0.5 × 0.5 mm (max)

Slice Thickness: 1.0-2.0 mm (3D isotropic optional)

3. Advanced Contrast Options
SWI Mode: Phase mask + magnitude fusion (vein/microbleed enhancement)

QSM (Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping): Multi-echo reconstruction

T2 Mapping:* Built-in decay curve calculation

Advanced Features
1. Acceleration & Efficiency
Parallel Imaging (SENSE/GRAPPA): Up to 4× acceleration

Compressed Sensing: 50% scan time reduction (sparse reconstruction)

Multi-Band EPI Readout (Optional): For ultra-fast dynamic scans

2. Artifact Reduction
Dynamic B0 Shimming: Reduces susceptibility distortions

Motion Correction: Real-time adaptive stabilization

Metal Artifact Suppression (MARS-X™): For implants/orthopedic hardware

3. Specialized Post-Processing
Automated Vein/Microbleed Detection: AI-based segmentation

Iron Quantification (Liver/Brain): R2 mapping integrated*

Multiplanar Reformats (MPR): Instant 3D volume rendering

Clinical Applications & Protocol Setup
1. Neuroimaging (SWI/QSM Mode)
Recommended Settings:

TR = 40 ms, TE = 5/12/20/28 ms, Flip Angle = 15°

0.8 mm isotropic resolution

Enable SWI + QSM post-processing

Use Cases:

Stroke (microbleeds, venous occlusion)

Neurodegenerative diseases (iron deposition in Parkinson’s/Alzheimer’s)

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

2. MSK (Cartilage/Bone Imaging)
Recommended Settings:

TR = 35 ms, TE = 5/12 ms, Flip Angle = 20°

0.6 mm high-res (3D GRE mode)

Fat suppression (SPAIR or water excitation)

Use Cases:

Cartilage degeneration (early OA detection)

Bone trabecular microstructure analysis

3. Abdominal (Liver Iron Quantification)
Recommended Settings:

TR = 45 ms, TE = 5/10/15/20 ms

R2 mapping enabled*

Breath-hold acquisition (18 sec volumetric scan)

Performance Metrics
Scan Time:

Full Brain SWI (1 mm iso): 4 min 30 sec

High-Res Knee (0.6 mm): 6 min 15 sec

Image Quality:

SNR (White Matter): ≥30 dB

CNR (Veins/GM): ≥3.5

Geometric Distortion: <0.5% (with B0 shim)

Technologist Notes
1. Protocol Optimization
For 7T Scans: Reduce flip angle to 10° (SAR limits)

High-Speed Abdominal: Use compressed sensing + breath-hold

Metal Implants: Enable MARS-X + increase bandwidth (±62 kHz)

2. Troubleshooting
Low SNR: Increase NEX (2x) or reduce TE spread

Phase Wrapping (SWI): Adjust shim or use higher bandwidth

3. Contraindications
Non-Compatible With:

Legacy pacemakers (unless MRI-safe mode active)

Extreme obesity (FOV limitations)