Super-resolution T1 estimation: Quantitative high resolution T1 mapping from a set of low resolution T1 -weighted images with different slice orientations

Magn Reson Med. 2017 May;77(5):1818-1830. doi: 10.1002/mrm.26262. Epub 2016 Jul 1.

Abstract

Purpose: Quantitative T1 mapping is a magnetic resonance imaging technique that estimates the spin-lattice relaxation time of tissues. Even though T1 mapping has a broad range of potential applications, it is not routinely used in clinical practice as accurate and precise high resolution T1 mapping requires infeasibly long acquisition times.

Method: To improve the trade-off between the acquisition time, signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution, we acquire a set of low resolution T1 -weighted images and directly estimate a high resolution T1 map by means of super-resolution reconstruction.

Results: Simulation and in vivo experiments show an increased spatial resolution of the T1 map, while preserving a high signal-to-noise ratio and short scan time. Moreover, the proposed method outperforms conventional estimation in terms of root-mean-square error.

Conclusion: Super resolution T1 estimation enables resolution enhancement in T1 mapping with the use of standard (inversion recovery) T1 acquisition sequences. Magn Reson Med 77:1818-1830, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Keywords: T1 mapping; reconstruction; relaxometry; super-resolution.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Algorithms
  • Anisotropy
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging*
  • Brain Mapping / methods*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Humans
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Male
  • Models, Statistical
  • Motion
  • Phantoms, Imaging
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Signal-To-Noise Ratio