A new method for fast multislice T(1) mapping.

A sequence for T(1) relaxation-time mapping which enables high-resolution, multislice imaging in short acquisition times is presented. The sequence is based on the Look-Locker method and employs a magnetization-preparation module prior to data acquisition with a banded k-space data collection scheme. The method was implemented on a standard clinical scanner and the accuracy of the T(1) results was evaluated against spectroscopic measurements. The accuracy of the T(1) maps validated by phantom imaging measurements is <3% for slow-relaxing compartments (T(1) congruent with 2000 ms) and is around 1% for faster-relaxing species (T(1) < or = 1200 ms). Additionally, the inherent multislice, multipoint capability of the method is demonstrated. Multislice, multipoint in vivo results of the human brain obtained using this method are presented. An acquisition time of approximately 8 min was achieved for a T(1) map, which, in principle, can provide whole-brain coverage with 25 slices, a matrix size of 256 x 256, and 12 time points. The speed of the sequence is derived through optimized interleaving of slices and time points, together with the acquisition of multiple echoes, which are used to fill a 3-segment k-space.