Synthetic T1rho Mapping with Multispectral Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Initial Results with a Non Spin-Lock Technique

Hernan Jara¹, Stephan William Anderson¹, Osamu Sakai¹

Purpose: To develop an algorithm for synthesizing T1rho maps using standard qMRI relaxometry instead of using direct spin-lock imaging acquisition techniques. Methods: A variant of the mixed turbo spin echo pulse sequence which is multispectral in PD, T1, and T2 was used at 3T. Images were processed with qMRI algorithms to generate T1 maps at varying spin-lock phase angles. Results: The resulting T1rho maps vary in appearance as a function of the spin-lock phase angle. Conclusion: A qMRI relaxometry-based technique for mapping the longitudinal relaxation time in the rotating frame T1rho has been developed and tested in the human head.