Rapid B1+ mapping using a preconditioning RF pulse with TurboFLASH readout.
In MRI, the transmit radiofrequency field (B(1)(+)) inhomogeneity can lead to signal intensity variations and quantitative measurement errors. By independently mapping the local B(1)(+) variation, the radiofrequency-related signal variations can be corrected for. In this study, we present a new fast B(1)(+) mapping method using a slice-selective preconditioning radiofrequency pulse. Immediately after applying a slice-selective preconditioning pulse, a turbo fast low-angle-shot imaging sequence with centric k-space reordering is performed to capture the residual longitudinal magnetization left behind by the slice-selective preconditioning pulse due to B(1)(+) variation. Compared to the reference double-angle method, this method is considerably faster. Specifically, the total scan time for the double-angle method is equal to the product of 2 (number of images), the number of phase-encoding lines, and approximately 5T(1), whereas the slice-selective preconditioning method takes approximately 5T(1). This method was validated in vitro and in vivo with a 3-T whole-body MRI system. The combined brain and pelvis B(1)(+) measurements showed excellent agreement and strong correlation with those by the double-angle method (mean difference = 0.025; upper and lower 95% limits of agreement were -0.07 and 0.12; R = 0.93; P < 0.001). This fast B(1)(+) mapping method can be used for a variety of applications, including body imaging where fast imaging is desirable.
Chung
Sohae
S
Department of Radiology, Center for Biomedical Imaging, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.
Kim
Daniel
D
Breton
Elodie
E
Axel
Leon
L
D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D016477:Artifacts; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D011846:Radio Waves; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted