A method for phase-contrast imaging a fluid within a volume of an imaged subject is provided. The method includes acquiring a plurality of slabs, each slab imaging the fluid flowing within a portion of the volume; and volume merging the plurality of slabs to form an image of the volume. Each slab of the plurality is aligned with respect to the volume such that each slab of the plurality is continuously supplied with a plurality of magnetically unsaturated portions of the fluid during acquisition.