Time-efficient, high-resolution 3T whole-brain relaxometry using 3D-QALAS with wave-CAIPI readouts

Abstract

Purpose: Volumetric, high-resolution, quantitative mapping of brain-tissue relaxation properties is hindered by long acquisition times and SNR challenges. This study combines time-efficient wave–controlled aliasing in parallel imaging (wave-CAIPI) readouts with the 3D quantification using an interleaved Look-Locker acquisition sequence with a T2 preparation pulse (3D-QALAS), enabling full-brain quantitative T1, T2, and proton density (PD) maps at 1.15-mm3 isotropic voxels in 3 min. Methods: Wave-CAIPI readouts were embedded in the standard 3D-QALAS encoding scheme, enabling full-brain quantitative parameter maps (T1, T2, and PD) at acceleration factors of R = 3 × 2 with minimum SNR loss due to g-factor penalties. The quantitative parameter maps were estimated using a dictionary-based mapping algorithm incorporating inversion efficiency and B1-field inhomogeneity effects. The parameter maps using the accelerated protocol were quantitatively compared with those obtained from the conventional 3D-QALAS sequence using GRAPPA acceleration of R = 2 in the ISMRM/NIST phantom, and in 10 healthy volunteers. Results: When tested in both the ISMRM/NIST phantom and 10 healthy volunteers, the quantitative maps using the accelerated protocol showed excellent agreement against those obtained from conventional 3D-QALAS at RGRAPPA = 2. Conclusion: Three-dimensional QALAS enhanced with wave-CAIPI readouts enables time-efficient, full-brain quantitative T1, T2, and PD mapping at 1.15 mm3 in 3 min at R = 3 × 2 acceleration. The quantitative maps obtained from the accelerated wave-CAIPI 3D-QALAS protocol showed very similar values to those from the standard 3D-QALAS (R = 2) protocol, alluding to the robustness and reliability of the proposed method. © 2023 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.