Selection of magnetization catalyzation and readout methods for modified Look-Locker inversion recovery: A T1 mapping primer

Donnie Cameron, David M Higgins, Christian Stehning, Marc Kouwenhoven, Mustapha Bouhrara, Michael P Frenneaux, Dana K Dawson, Thomas W Redpath

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this work was to evaluate different magnetization preparation and readout sequences for modified Look-Locker inversion recovery (MOLLI) toward improved T1 mapping in the heart. Elements investigated include: catalyzation sequences to prepare the magnetization before readout, alternate k-space trajectories, a spoiled gradient recalled echo readout, and a 5b(3b)3b MOLLI sampling scheme ('b' denoting beats).

METHODS: Conventional 3b(3b)3b(3b)5b MOLLI with a linear k-space trajectory was compared to four variants in simulations, in vitro and in vivo (at 3T). Variants were centric conventional MOLLI, centric-paired conventional MOLLI, linear 5b(3b)3b MOLLI and spoiled gradient recalled echo MOLLI. Each of these was applied with three magnetization catalyzation methods, and T1 measurement accuracy and precision were evaluated in simulations via a Monte Carlo algorithm, in a set of calibrated phantoms, and in ten healthy volunteers. Contrast-to-noise, heart rate dependence and B1+ dependence were also evaluated.

RESULTS: A linear k-space trajectory was superior in vitro to centric and centric-paired trajectories. Of the catalyzation methods, preparation of transverse magnetization only-using a linearly increasing flip angle catalyzation-improved MOLLI T1 measurement accuracy, precision, and map quality versus methods that include catalyzation of the longitudinal magnetization. The 5b(3b)3b MOLLI scheme offered comparable native T1 measurement accuracy and precision to conventional MOLLI, despite its shortened acquisition.

CONCLUSIONS: MOLLI T1 measurement accuracy, precision, and map quality depend on the method of catalyzation of magnetization prior to image acquisition, as well as on the readout method and MOLLI sampling scheme used.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)363-373
Number of pages11
JournalMagnetic Resonance Imaging
Volume33
Issue number4
Early online date7 Feb 2015
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2015

Bibliographical note

Date of Acceptance: 01/02/2015

Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Acknowledgments
Thanks are due to Richard G. Spencer, for his helpful insights on the topics discussed in this work, to James Hutchison and Che Ahmad Azlan, for providing the basic building blocks of the numerical simulations, and to Rebecca Colleran, for assisting with pilot studies.

Keywords

  • T1 mapping
  • tissue characterization
  • steady-state free precession
  • transient signal oscillations

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