A novel fast T1-mapping method.
The authors present a novel fast T1-mapping technique that allows a T1 map to be reconstructed from data acquired in less than 3 seconds. Data were acquired by using two modified TurboFLASH (fast low-angle shot) sequences and were processed with a combination of one-dimensional Fourier transforms and a parameter-fitting routine, instead of a standard two-dimensional Fourier transform. Apparent T1 (T1*) maps were obtained, from which T1 maps were calculated. Comparisons of T1 values obtained in phantoms and the human brain by using this technique with those obtained with multipoint inversion-recovery T1 mapping showed that the new method yielded accurate T1 values. Optimization of the method will further improve speed and accuracy. The general approach of this T1-mapping technique is believed to be also applicable to other problems, such as T2 and T2* mapping.
Tong
C Y
CY
Department of Nuclear Medicine and Magnetic Resonance, St. Joseph's Health Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.
Prato
F S
FS
D000465:Algorithms; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D002555:Cerebrospinal Fluid; D005583:Fourier Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008280:Magnetics; D008961:Models, Structural; D013997:Time Factors