Cross-talk between MRI slices: cause and fixes
Slices placed too close together excite each other and lose signal. The slice gap and the acquisition order fix it.
Cross-talk
Lower SNR and altered contrast across a stack of closely spaced slices; a dark band where two angled slice groups intersect (lumbar discs).
Slice profiles are not perfect rectangles. The edges of one RF pulse partly excite the neighbouring slice, which is then saturated when its own turn comes.
- Gap of 10–20% of slice thickness
- Interleaved slice order
- Keep the intersection of angled groups outside the anatomy of interest
- 3D acquisition
Gaps can miss small lesions. Interleaving may add an acquisition.
This page is one entry from the MRI Technologist Reference
The full reference has 31 protocols, 9 dynamic study timelines, 19 artifacts, 16 scanner problems and 15 safety topics, as a PDF in English and Arabic plus an interactive tool.
Educational reference. It does not replace your site protocols, the radiologist's instructions, the MR safety officer, or the manufacturer's instructions for any implant, device or contrast agent. Parameter values are typical starting points at 1.5 T and must be adapted to the scanner, coil and patient.