Phantom and in vivo study of the Look-Locher T1 mapping method

Magn Reson Imaging. 1999 Dec;17(10):1481-8. doi: 10.1016/s0730-725x(99)00078-8.

Abstract

This paper describes and tests the LL-EPI method for obtaining quantitative T1 estimates in a few seconds thereby allowing dynamic T1 studies. It is shown that the method works even when there is an inflow into the imaged volume, e.g., in a vessel. No calibration is needed. The method has been tested in a phantom study with several different scan parameter set-ups, with and without inflow. The method shows robustness and individual scan parameters and inflow rates do not influence the ability to calculate the Gd-DTPA concentration. Linearity prevail between the measured 1/T1 and the Gd-DTPA concentration in the range 150 < T1 < 2500 ms. In a dynamic Gd-DTPA phantom study, it was shown that the dynamic LL-EPI T1 mapping technique was three times more sensitive than the signal from a T2*-weighted EPI sequence. In an in vivo study, dynamic T1 mapping of the Gd-DTPA uptake in a meningioma was performed. Inspection of the uptake curves indicates that the method is feasible in clinical perfusion studies.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Brain / pathology
  • Contrast Media / administration & dosage
  • Gadolinium DTPA
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Meningioma / diagnosis
  • Phantoms, Imaging*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Gadolinium DTPA