Abstract #2499

Yang C, Wolf G, Karczmar G, Stadler W

Using multiple sample phantom data acquired with 3D spoiled gradient recalled echo (SPGR) pulse sequence at several flip angles, we demonstrate model failure of the traditional variable flip angle method for T1 estimation. Using a modified variable flip angle method, we show that the effective flip angles are different from the prescribed flip angles. We find the modified method is able to significantly increase the goodness of the fit and the accuracy of T1 estimation. The effect of spatially inhomogeneous flip angles can also be easily corrected with the modified method.