Methods for accelerated echo planar imaging with fleet autocalibration scans

Abstract

Systems and methods for improving calibration of MRI imaging using echo-planar imaging (EPI) include a multi-shot radio frequency (RF) excitation during a calibration phase and a processor that calibrates the k-space for a slice by acquiring k-space data through multi-shot EPI data acquisition for a plurality of interleaved segments in the slice, each divided into a predetermined number of readout lines. Each EPI data acquisition includes providing a series of frequency encoding pulses throughout a readout period equal to the predetermined number of readout lines, providing a series of phase encoding pulses during a middle portion of the readout period corresponding to a middle section of the k-space, capturing magnetic resonance signals during the middle portion. The frequency and phase encoding pulse each include a rewinder pulse before a spoiler pulse after the magnetic resonance signals are captured. The processor creates a calibration model from the acquired k-space data based on the magnetic resonance signals during the middle portion, wherein k-space data corresponding to each segment in the slice is acquired before acquiring data for subsequent slices.