Improving image quality and T1 measurements using saturation recovery turboFLASH with an approximate K-space normalisation filter

Parker, Geoffrey J.M; Baustert, Isabelle; Tanner, Steven F; Leach, Martin O

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Volume 18, Issue 2 , Pages 157-167, February 2000

Improving image quality and T₁ measurements using saturation recovery turboFLASH with an approximate K-space normalisation filter

Geoffrey J.M Parker
- Now at: NMR Research Unit, Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- Cancer Research Campaign Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research Group, Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Downs Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5PT, UK
Isabelle Baustert
- Cancer Research Campaign Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research Group, Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Downs Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5PT, UK
Steven F Tanner
- Now at: Department of Medical Physics, Wellcome Wing, Leeds General Infirmary, Great George St., Leeds, LS1 3EX, UK
- Cancer Research Campaign Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research Group, Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Downs Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5PT, UK
Martin O Leach
- Cancer Research Campaign Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research Group, Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Downs Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5PT, UK
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +44-(0)208-661-3338; fax: +44-(0)208-643-3812

Received 15 April 1998; accepted 12 November 1999.

Abstract

We present a method for reducing the image point-spread function and measuring T₁ using saturation recovery turboFLASH (SRTF) with centric-ordered k-space and a k-space correction filter designed to compensate for longitudinal magnetisation evolution during image acquisition. The method provides a two point T₁ measurement that reduces inaccuracies and image artefacts caused by longitudinal magnetisation evolution in conventional turboFLASH methods. The method is designed for use in rapid, quantitative measurements of contrast agent uptake in vivo.

Keywords: Saturation recovery turboFLASH, k-space correction, T₁ measurement, Dynamic imaging