B1‐MRF: Large dynamic range MRF‐based absolute B1+ mapping in the human body at 7T
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Purpose This study aims to map the transmit magnetic field (B1+$$ {B}_1^{+} $$) in the human body at 7T using MR fingerprinting (MRF), with a focus on achieving high accuracy and precision across a large dynamic range, particularly at low flip angles (FAs). Methods A FLASH‐based MRF sequence (B1‐MRF) with high B1+$$ {B}_1^{+} $$ sensitivity was developed. Phantom and in vivo abdominal imaging were performed at 7T, and the results were compared with established reference methods, including a slow but precise preparation‐based method (PEX), saturated TurboFLASH (satTFL), actual flip angle imaging (AFI) and Bloch‐Siegert shift (BSS). Results The MRF signal curve was highly sensitive to B1+$$ {B}_1^{+} $$, while T1 sensitivity was comparatively low. The phantom experiment showed good agreement of B1+$$ {B}_1^{+} $$ to PEX for a T1 range of 204–1691 ms evaluated at FAs from 0° to 70°. Compared to the references, a dynamic range increase larger than a factor of two was determined experimentally. In vivo liver scans showed a strong correlation between B1‐MRF, satTFL, and RPE‐AFI in a low body mass index (BMI) subject (18.1 kg/m2). However, in larger BMI subjects (≥25.5 kg/m2), inconsistencies were observed in low B1+$$ {B}_1^{+} $$ regions for satTFL and RPE‐AFI, while B1‐MRF still provided consistent results in these regions. Conclusion B1‐MRF provides accurate and precise B1+$$ {B}_1^{+} $$ maps over a wide range of FAs, surpassing the capabilities of existing methods in the FA range < 60°. Its enhanced sensitivity at low FAs is advantageous for various applications requiring precise B1+$$ {B}_1^{+} $$ estimates, potentially advancing the frontiers of ultra‐high field (UHF) body imaging at 7T and beyond.
Source: DepositOnce
Authors: Lutz, Max, Aigner, Christoph Stefan, Flassbeck, Sebastian, Krueger, Felix, Gatefait, Constance G. F., Kolbitsch, Christoph, Silemek, Berk, Seifert, Frank, Schäffter, Tobias, Schmitter, Sebastian
Language: English
Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6904830603