Rapid 3D absolute B1+ mapping using a sandwiched train presaturated TurboFLASH sequence at 7 T for the brain and heart

Kent JL., Dragonu I., Valkovič L., Hess AT.

PurposeTo shorten the acquisition time of magnetization‐prepared absolute transmit field (B1+) mapping known as presaturation TurboFLASH, or satTFL, to enable single breath‐hold whole‐heart 3D B1+ mapping.MethodsSatTFL is modified to remove the delay between the reference and prepared images (typically 5 T1), with matching transmit configurations for excitation and preparation RF pulses. The new method, called Sandwich, is evaluated as a 3D sequence, measuring whole‐brain and gated whole‐heart B1+ maps in a single breath‐hold. We evaluate the sensitivity to B1+ and T1 using numerical Bloch, extended phase graph, and Monte Carlo simulations. Phantom and in vivo images were acquired in both the brain and heart using an 8‐channel transmit 7 Tesla MRI system to support the simulations. A segmented satTFL with a short readout train was used as a reference.ResultsThe method significantly reduces acquisition times of 3D measurements from 360 s to 20 s, in the brain, while simultaneously reducing bias in the measured B1+ due to T1 and magnetization history. The mean coefficient of variation was reduced by 81% for T1s of 0.5–3 s compared to conventional satTFL. In vivo, the reproducibility coefficient for flip angles in the range 0–130° was 4.5° for satTFL and 4.7° for our scheme, significantly smaller than for a short TR satTFL sequence, which was 12°. The 3D sequence measured B1+ maps of the whole thorax in 26 heartbeats.ConclusionOur adaptations enable faster B1+ mapping, with minimal T1 sensitivity and lower sensitivity to magnetization history, enabling single breath‐hold whole‐heart absolute B1+ mapping.

DOI

10.1002/mrm.29497

Type

Journal article

Publisher

Wiley

Publication Date

2023-03-01T00:00:00+00:00

Volume

89

Pages

964 - 976

Total pages

12

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