Dual gradient echo and spin echo magnetic resonance fingerprinting for simultaneous estimation of t1, t2, and t2* with integrated b1 correction

Abstract

Magnetic resonance fingerprinting ('MRF') techniques in which T1, T2, and T2* are simultaneously quantified using a combined gradient echo and spin echo acquisition with integrated B1 correction are described. The values for T2 and T2* can be estimated separately, but using the same underlying dictionary. This approach enables a smaller dictionary size that is easily manageable, and also reduced error propagation. Moreover, by using echo planar imaging (“EPI”) readouts, the raw MRF images will have higher signal-to-noise ratio (“SNR”) relative images acquired using spiral-based MRF techniques. The EPI-based images are also relatively free of artifacts. Together, these advantages lead to the need for far fewer frames, thereby enabling much faster acquisitions. Moreover, offline reconstruction is not needed, allowing for a more straightforward implementation of MRF.