T2 contrast in magnetic resonance imaging with gradient echoes

A method (140) and apparatus (20) for acquiring MR images is disclosed. The technique allows rapid acquisition of T2 weighted MR images using gradient echo imaging, and also allows the acquisition (158) of T1 weighted or spin density images, T2* or T2' weighted images all from the same data set. The technique includes determining a nonlinear function of gradient echo time (154) to offset magnetic field inhomogeneities and acquiring multiple sets of MR data (148) from a series of readout gradient pulses in a pulse sequence (80, 110). Both 2-D and 3-D pulse sequence embodiments (80, 110) are disclosed. The MR data (148) is then fit to an equation that includes the nonlinear function (154) and the images are reconstructed that include T1 or spin density weighting, T2 weighting images, T2*, or T2' weighting (158). The resulting images are naturally co-registered.