Novel method for rapid, simultaneous <i>T</i>₁, <i>T^*</i>₂, and proton density quantification

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.