Multislice T1-prepared 2D single-shot EPI: analysis of a clinical T1 mapping method unbiased by B0 or B1 inhomogeneity

Quantitative MR imaging is as sensitive in detecting lesions as qualitative imaging, but it is potentially more specific in differentiating disease. T1 mapping in particular might help to assess acute ischemic stroke, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease better. Thus, a rapid and robust clinical technique is vital. In 1990, Ordidge and colleagues developed the multislice T1‐prepared two‐dimensional (2D) single‐shot echo planar imaging technique. Subsequent studies demonstrated its clinical viability, but none performed an in‐depth analysis of the strengths and advantages of this T1 mapping method. Herein, theoretical and experimental evidence shows that the technique accounts for 2D slice profile effects and is unbiased by B0 or B1 inhomogeneity. This is verified explicitly by varying the linear shims, the T1 preparation flip angle and the excitation flip angle. Furthermore, it is shown that the repetition time (and hence scan time) can be reduced without a loss of T1 accuracy. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. We present theoretical and experimental evidence that the multislice T1‐prepared 2D single‐shot EPI T1 mapping technique accounts for 2D slice profile effects and is unbiased by both B0 and B1 inhomogeneity. We also show that the repetition time (and hence scan time) can be significantly reduced without a loss of T1 accuracy.