Novel method for rapid, simultaneous T1, T2*, and proton density quantification

Magn Reson Med. 2007 Mar;57(3):528-37. doi: 10.1002/mrm.21165.

Abstract

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 T(1) and transverse T(2) (*) relaxation time and proton density (PD) within a single sequence. The method also includes an estimation of the B(1) 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 T(1), T(2) (*), 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 mm(3) voxels was achieved in less than 8 min.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Brain Mapping / methods*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Phantoms, Imaging
  • Protons

Substances

  • Protons