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Intermediate Technical IVT

phase encoding

MRI spatial encoding technique that uses gradient-induced phase shifts to localize signal along one axis of the image.

Full Definition

Phase encoding is a fundamental MRI technique that spatially localizes signal by applying gradient pulses that induce position-dependent phase shifts in the magnetic resonance signal. Unlike frequency encoding which occurs during readout, phase encoding occurs between excitation and readout, with different phase-encoding steps collected in separate repetitions. The direction of phase encoding can affect artifact patterns, particularly motion artifacts and susceptibility distortions, making the choice of phase-encoding direction critical in neuroimaging protocols.

Usage

Usage note: May be hyphenated or written as two words; maintain consistency within documents.

In Context

  • "The phase encoding direction was set anterior-posterior to minimize susceptibility artifacts." — MRI protocol specification
  • "Motion artifacts were more prominent along the phase encoding axis in this acquisition." — Image quality assessment

Also known as

phase-encoding gradient PE direction

Contrasted with

frequency encoding readout encoding

Don't confuse with

frequency encoding slice selection

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