Turbo ASL: arterial spin labeling with higher SNR and temporal resolution.

A modified pulsed arterial spin labeling (ASL) technique is introduced here that has both higher temporal resolution and higher SNR per unit time than existing ASL techniques. In this technique, the time TI between the application of the tag and image acquisition is longer than the repetition time TR, allowing for the use of greatly reduced TR values without a significant decrease in the amplitude of the ASL signal. This improves both the temporal resolution and the sensitivity of ASL for functional brain mapping.