The MR signal decay in gradient echo sequences includes signal loss due to spin dephasing caused by static magnetic field inhomogeneities. This decay can be calculated for different geometries of the susceptibility distribution, such as spheres, cylinders, or cylinder networks. In particular, the model of an infinitely long cylinder is a good approximation for single straight blood vessels. Blood oxygenation and blood volume fraction are important parameters, which influence the signal in a characteristic way. In this work the signal decays for a single cylindrical vessel were investigated and evaluated in simulations, phantom measurements as well as in vivo measurements of small single veins in the human brain by using a 3D multiecho gradient echo sequence.