MRI k-space data is acquired for a patient ROI during data acquisition sequences including a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal readout period using a late gadolinium enhanced (LGE) data acquisition sequence including at least one fat-specific RF NMR magnetization inversion pulse imposed (a) after a water-specific RF NMR magnetization inversion pulse timed to cause a substantial null in NMR magnetization of normal tissue protons near a center of the readout period and (b) before the readout period center, which fat-specific inversion pulse is also timed to cause a substantial null in NMR magnetization of fat tissue protons near the readout period center. The acquired MR image data is reconstructed into a contrast enhanced LGE image of tissues within the ROI but having substantially suppressed normal and fat components therein.
