Neuromelanin(NM)-sensitive imaging detects contrast differences due to magnetization transfer (MT) effects. We aimed to evaluate the value of adding preparation inversion pulses (IR) to multi-slice turbo spin echo (MS-TSE) sequences, using the recently introduced extended phase graphs with MT effects framework. Simulation results were in agreement with experimental phantom data. The MT contrast could be increased using IR MS-TSE sequences and these results were confirmed in vivo, with improved detectability of the substantia nigra. The next step will be to test the use of this type of sequences in the clinic, finding the optimal tradeoff between contrast and signal-to-noise ratio.
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