Novel method for rapid, simultaneous T1, T*2, and proton density quantification

• An imaging method called “quantification of relaxation times and proton density by twin-echo saturation-recovery turbo-field echo” (QRAPTEST) is presented as a means of quickly determining the longitudinal T1 and transverse T relaxation time and proton density (PD) within a single sequence. The method also includes an estimation of the B1 field inhomogeneity. High-resolution images covering large volumes can be achieved within clinically acceptable times of 5–10 min. The range of accuracy for determining T1, T, and PD values is flexible and can be optimized relative to any anticipated values. We validated the experimental results against existing methods, and provide a clinical example in which quantification of the whole brain using 1.5 mm3 voxels was achieved in less than 8 min.

Keyword

Proton density mapping

Quantitative mri

Rapid quantification

T1 mapping

T2* mapping

MEDICINE

MEDICIN

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)