Abstract #3500

Cercignani M, Symms M, Boulby P, Barker G

Quantitative magnetization transfer (MT) imaging relies on fitting a non-linear model to a series of MT-weighted images collected with MT pulses of variable amplitude and offset frequency. Any imperfection in the B1 field results in a deviation from the nominal pulse amplitude, while any imperfection in the B0 field results in a deviation from the nominal offset frequency. Here we quantify the error introduced by B1 and B0 field inhomogeneities into the MT parameters estimated from data collected at 3.0 T, showing that in some areas of the brain this error can be as large as 50%.