Measurement of spin-lattice relaxation times with FLASH for dynamic MRI of the breast

J A Brookes, Thomas William Redpath, Fiona Jane Gilbert, Gillian Needham, Alison Dorothy Murray

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41 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Using a variable flip angle gradient refocused imaging technique. dynamic quantitative T-1 relaxation maps acquired before and after the administration of a gadolinium contrast bolus enable the concentration-time curve of the paramagnetic agent in breast tissue to be calculated. This imaging technique has the aim of improving the diagnostic accuracy of MR mammography. Measurements with phantoms of calibrated T-1 values have been carried out to investigate the accuracy of the method, with particular reference to errors caused by incomplete spoiling of residual transverse magnetization and inaccurate radio frequency (RF) flip-angle settings. A clinical example is presented. The method has potential use for any patient study which necessitates rapid quantitation of changing in vivo T-1 values as a result of contrast agent injection.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)206-214
Number of pages9
JournalBritish Journal of Radiology
Volume69
Issue number819
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 1996

Keywords

  • T1 relaxation
  • flip angle
  • GD-DTPA
  • differentiation
  • resonance

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