Gradient echo pulse sequences were introduced by Frahm and Haase in 1986 as a way to speed image acquisition.27,28 Gradient echo sequences are similar to spin-echo sequences, with two modifications: 1) use of an initial θo pulse (θ < 90o), rather than the 90o pulse used in spin echo, and 2) use of a gradient reversal, instead of a 180o pulse to form an echo (a gradient-echo instead of a spin-echo) (Figures 4 and 5). These two modifications enable a substantial amount of longitudinal magnetization to remain in the direction of the static magnetic field, without being removed by either a 90o or 180o pulse (Figure 5). This eliminates the need to wait to allow re-growth of the longitudinal magnetization.