B1 Inhomogeneity Corrected T1-Quantification for DGEMRIC Using 3D Look-Locker Technique with Non-Slice Selective RF-Pulses

Carl Siversson¹, Carl-Johan Tiderius², Leif Dahlberg², Jonas Svensson¹

3D Look-Locker (LL) can be used for various T1 quantification applications, such as delayed Gadolinium enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC). The LL method is however usually dependent on both the excitation- and inversion pulse performing well in order to generate reliable T1 values. By using non-slice selective rectangular RF pulses for excitation and inversion, both having a similar B1 dependence, it is possible to map and compensate for all B1 inhomogeneities. With this method the measured T1 is very accurate throughout all slices, both in gel phantoms and in in vivo dGEMRIC measurements.