Rapid B1+ mapping using a preconditioning RF pulse with TurboFLASH readout

Magn Reson Med. 2010 Aug;64(2):439-46. doi: 10.1002/mrm.22423.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Algorithms*
  • Artifacts*
  • Brain / anatomy & histology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Male
  • Radio Waves
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted*