Improved accuracy and consistency in T1 measurement of flowing blood by using inversion recovery GE-EPI

Jun Yu Guo, Seong Eun Kim, D. L. Parker, E. K. Jeong, Ling Zhang, R. B. Roemer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Problems associated with techniques currently used to measure the T 1 of flowing blood are evaluated and a method to improve the consistency and repeatability of measurements is presented. Similar to some currently used techniques, the pulse sequence employs a nonselective adiabatic inversion pulse followed by a series of ECG-gated gradient echo EPI (echo planar imaging) images to obtain images where the blood (fluid) signal exhibits a T1-dependent inversion recovery signal from which the spin lattice relaxation constant (T1) of the flowing fluid can be measured. The new method combines curve fitting with a measure of the curve null point to acquire more accurate and consistent T1 values. Simulation and experimental results show that this combined fitting-nulling method is more stable and consistent in measuring the T1 of flowing fluid. The feasibility of temperature measurement of a flowing fluid based on the temperature dependence of the T1 of water protons is shown in this paper. ECG gating is used to reduce the effects of cyclic intensity changes for measurement of T1 in pulsatile flowing blood.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1083-1093
Number of pages11
JournalMedical physics
Volume32
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2005
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • ECG gating
  • EPI
  • Spin-lattice relaxation constant
  • T measurement
  • Temperature

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biophysics
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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