Dynamic T₂ mapping by multi-spin-echo spatiotemporal encoding

To develop a pulse sequence for acquiring robust, quantitative T₂ relaxation maps in real time.

The pulse scheme relies on fully refocused spatiotemporally encoded multi-spin-echo trains, which provide images that are significantly less distorted than spin-echo echo planar imaging-based counterparts. This enables single-shot T₂ mapping in inhomogeneity-prone regions. Another advantage of these schemes stems from their ability to interleave multiple scans in a reference-free manner, providing an option to increase sensitivity and spatial resolution with minimal motional artifacts.

The method was implemented in preclinical and clinical scanners, where single-shot acquisitions delivered reliable T₂ maps in ≤200 ms with ≈250 µm and ≈3 mm resolutions, respectively. Ca. 4 times higher spatial resolutions were achieved for the motion-compensated interleaved versions of these acquisitions, delivering T₂ maps in ca. 10 s per slice. These maps were nearly indistinguishable from multi-scan relaxometric maps requiring orders-of-magnitude longer acquisitions; this was confirmed by mice head and real-time mice abdomen 7T scans performed following contrast-agent injections, as well as by 3T human brain and breast scans.

This study introduced and demonstrated a new approach for acquiring rapid and quantitative T₂ data, which is particularly reliable when operating at high fields and/or targeting heterogeneous organs or regions.