Conventional gradient echo sequences with relatively long echo-times
visualise complex flow as signal loss, the degree and extent of which is
a qualitative indicator of valvular heart disease. Since the long
echo-time precludes segmentation, breath-hold imaging is not possible and
acquisitions typically take 2-minutes with respiratory motion artefact
being a frequent problem. In the present invention, a segmented sequence
is used which generates similar degrees of signal loss to a conventional
gradient echo sequence. However, the acquisition duration is reduced and
breath-hold imaging is feasible, removing respiratory motion artefact.
