Macromolecular Pool Fraction (MPF) Maps in Minimal Scan Time Using a Modified Fast SPGR Sequence and a Calibrated Synthetic MT Reference Image 

MPF has been shown to correlate with myelin. Recent advances have reduced the required acquisitions to two: with (MT_Δ) and without (MT₀) the MT pulse. These, along with B1 and T1 maps, can be used to compute MPF. Scan time can be minimized by synthesizing MT₀ from the T1 and B1 maps required for MPF mapping thus obviating the need to acquire MT₀. Here we present advances that allow for MPF mapping in a minimal scan time (about 10 min) . These include optimizing B1 and T1 mapping implementations with calibration procedures to ensure accuracy and modifying an accelerated MT-prepared sequence.