Intermediate
Technical
IVT
echo time
The time interval between radiofrequency excitation and signal readout in MRI pulse sequences.
Full Definition
Echo time (TE) is a fundamental MRI parameter that determines the amount of T2 or T2* decay that occurs before signal acquisition. Shorter echo times provide stronger signal but less T2-weighted contrast, while longer echo times enhance T2-weighted contrast but reduce signal intensity. TE selection is crucial for optimizing image contrast and is particularly important in functional MRI where BOLD sensitivity depends on appropriate T2* weighting.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as TE; specify units (milliseconds) when providing values
In Context
- "The echo time was optimized to 30 milliseconds to maximize BOLD sensitivity at 3 Tesla." — fMRI acquisition protocol
- "Multiple echo time acquisitions enabled calculation of T2* relaxation maps." — Quantitative imaging methodology
Also known as
TE
Don't confuse with
repetition time
inversion time