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Efficient Whole-Brain Quantitative Magnetization Transfer Imaging at 3T Using Segmented EPI Readout with Variable
Se-Hong Oh1, Ken E Sakaie2, Gawon Lee3
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Yongin, Republic of Korea; Diagnostic Radiology, Diagnostics Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
Neuroimage
|December 5, 2025
Summary
A new fast quantitative magnetization transfer (qMT) imaging method, EP-vpMT, significantly reduces scan time while accurately measuring brain microstructure. This technique shows promise for diagnosing conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS).
Area of Science:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Neuroimaging
- Biophysics
Background:
- Quantitative magnetization transfer (qMT) imaging is crucial for assessing myelin and brain microstructure.
- Conventional qMT methods are limited by lengthy scan times, hindering clinical application.
- Developing faster qMT techniques is essential for routine use in neurological assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate a novel, fast, and SAR-efficient qMT technique called EP-vpMT.
- To compare the performance of EP-vpMT against conventional GRE-based qMT in terms of speed, accuracy, and reliability.
- To explore the feasibility of EP-vpMT for detecting lesions in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients at both 3T and 7T.
Main Methods:
- Implemented a 3D segmented EPI readout with variable power MT preparation (EP-vpMT) at 3T.
- Acquired pseudo-bound pool fraction (pseudo-BPF) maps in healthy participants and MS patients.
- Performed Bland-Altman analysis to assess consistency and repeatability against conventional GRE-MT.
Main Results:
- EP-vpMT reduced whole-brain qMT scan time by 76% (6 min 25 sec vs. 26 min 20 sec) with comparable SAR.
- Strong agreement was found between EP-vpMT and conventional GRE-MT, with high test-retest reliability.
- EP-vpMT successfully delineated MS lesions at both 3T and 7T, demonstrating clinical applicability.
Conclusions:
- EP-vpMT offers a significantly faster alternative for qMT imaging at 3T, maintaining accuracy and reliability.
- The technique's ability to detect MS lesions and its translatability to ultra-high field MRI are promising.
- EP-vpMT supports future applications in assessing myelin-related macromolecular content and brain integrity.
