Simultaneous T1 & T2 Quantification using Non-Continuous Balanced SSFP Look-Locker Imaging

Glenn S. Slavin¹

Look-Locker imaging using non-continuous (single-phase) balanced SSFP has been proposed for cardiac T₁ mapping. Because data acquisition perturbs the magnetization during relaxation, correction methods are required to calculate the true T₁ from the apparent T₁ (T₁*). Since a correction method specific for this approach has not been reported, current T₁ estimation techniques can exhibit inconsistent results. This work presents an analytical correction method, derived specifically for non-continuous bSSFP, whereby the true T₁ and T₂ may be quantified accurately and simultaneously from Look-Locker acquisitions. T₁/T₂ calculated using this method demonstrated excellent agreement with actual T₁/T₂ of phantoms and skeletal muscle.