Quantitative brain T1 maps derived from T1-weighted MRI acquisitions: a proof-of-concept study

Longitudinal T1 relaxation time is a key imaging biomarker. In addition, T1 values are modulated by the administration of T1 contrast agents used in patients with tumors and metastases. However, in clinical practice, dedicated T1 mapping sequences are often not included in brain MRI protocols. The aim of this study is to address the absence of dedicated T1 mapping sequences in imaging protocol by deriving T1 maps from standard T1-weighted sequences.

A phantom, composed of 144 solutions of paramagnetic agents at different concentrations, was imaged with a three-dimensional (3D) T1-weighed turbo spin-echo (TSE) sequence designed for brain imaging. The relationship between the T1 values and the signal intensities was established using this phantom acquisition. T1 mapping derived from 3D T1-weighted TSE acquisitions in four healthy volunteers and one patient with brain metastases were established and compared to reference T1 mapping technique. The concentration of Gd-based contrast agents in brain metastases were assessed from the derived T1 maps.

Based on the phantom acquisition, the relationship between T1 values and signal intensity (SI) was found equal to T1 = 0.35 × SI^-1.11 (R² = 0.97). TSE-derived T1 values measured in white matter and gray matter in healthy volunteers were equal to 0.997 ± 0.096 s and 1.358 ± 0.056 s (mean ± standard deviation), respectively. Mean Gd³⁺ concentration value in brain metastases was 94.7 ± 30.0 μM.

The in vivo results support the relevance of the phantom-based approach: brain T1 maps can be derived from T1-weighted acquisitions.

High-resolution brain T1 maps can be generated, and contrast agent concentration can be quantified and imaged in brain metastases using routine 3D T1-weighted TSE acquisitions.

Quantitative T1 mapping adds significant value to MRI diagnostics. T1 measurement sequences are rarely included in routine protocols. T1 mapping and concentration of contrast agents can be derived from routine standard scans. The diagnostic value of MRI can be improved without additional scan time.