Fast T1 mapping on a whole-body scanner

Abstract

A method for the fast acquisition of quantitative T1 maps is presented. It is based on the acquisition of a series of snapshot fast low-angle shot (FLASH) images after inversion of the magnetization. A drawback of this method is the necessity for a sufficiently long relaxation delay before each inversion pulse, leading to long experimental times if averaging or segmentation is required. Thus implementation of this method on a whole-body scanner is problematic, as the longer gradient rise times provide prolonged repetition times, which makes segmentation indispensable to provide a sufficient temporal resolution. We present a modification of the method that allows for reduction in the intermediate relaxation delays and thus for considerably reduced experimental durations.