FSE optimization runs a preliminary TR period at the central slice and compares the phase of each echo in the echo train. If the phases do not compliment each other the RF is recalibrated and then the entire sequence is run. If there is an error in calibrating the phases of each of the echoes artifacts will appear.

(IR-FSPGR) This sequence uses an inversion pulse followed by a spoiled low flip angle and short TR gradient echo train to collect all partition data. The 3D-IR-FSPGR uses centric ordering of Gz. The selected TI is also the effective TI. The centric reordering strategy can lead to image blurring if a steady state is not achieved quickly with low flip angles (less than 20°).

(HASTE) A pulse sequence with data acquisition after an initial preparation pulse for contrast enhancement with the use of a very long echo train (Single shot TSE), whereat each echo is individually phase encoded. This technique is a heavily T2 weighted, high speed sequence with partial Fourier technique, a great sensitivity for fluid detection and a fast acquisition time of about 1 sec per slice. This advantage makes it possible for using breath-hold with excellent motionless MRI, e.g. used for liver and lung imaging.

See also Segmented HASTE.

Lung imaging is furthermore a challenge in MRI because of the predominance of air within the lungs and associated susceptibility issues as well as low signal to noise of the inflated lung parenchyma. Cardiac and respiratory triggered or breath hold sequences allow diagnostic imaging, however a comparable image quality with computed tomography is still difficult to achieve.
Assumptions for lung MRI:
The current trends in MRI are the use of new imaging technologies and increasingly powerful magnetic fields. Among these technologies are parallel imaging techniques as well as ventilation agents like hyperpolarized helium for the use as an inert inhalational contrast agent to study lung ventilation properties. With hyperpolarized gases clear images of the lungs can be obtained without using a large magnetic field (see also back projection imaging). Single shot sequences (e.g. TSE or Half Fourier Acquisition Single Shot Turbo Spin Echo HASTE) used in lung MR imaging benefits from parallel imaging techniques due to reduced relaxation time effects during the echo train and therefore reduced image blurring as well as reduced motion artifacts.
In the future, more effective contrast agents may provide an alternative solution to the need for high field MRI. Dynamic contrast enhanced MRI perfusion has demonstrated a potential in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism or to characterize lung cancer and mediastinal tumors. 3D contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography of the thoracic vessel.

See also the related poll result: 'MRI will have replaced 50% of x-ray exams by'

The number of series of 180° RF rephasing pulses and their corresponding echoes for a fast or turbo spin echo pulse sequence is named echo train length (ETL) or turbo spin echo turbo factor (TSE TF).