2D multislice MP2RAGE sequence for fast T1 mapping at 7 T: Application to mouse imaging and MR thermometry

Purpose To develop a 2D radial multislice MP2RAGE sequence for fast and reliable T1 mapping at 7 T in mice and for MR thermometry. Methods The 2D‐MP2RAGE sequence was performed with the following parameters: TI1‐TI2‐MP2RAGETR = 1000‐3000‐9000 ms. The multiple dead times within the sequence were used for interleaved multislice acquisition, enabling one to acquire six slices in 9 seconds. The excitation pulse shape, inversion selectivity, and interslice gap were optimized. In vitro comparison with the inversion‐recovery sequence was performed. The T1 variations with temperature were measured on tubes with T1 ranging from 800 ms to 2000 ms. The sequence was used to acquire T1 maps continuously during 30 minutes on the brain and abdomen of healthy mice. Results A three‐lobe cardinal sine excitation pulse, combined with an inversion slice thickness and an interslice gap of respectively 150% and 50% of the imaging slice thickness, led to a SD and bias of the T1 measurements below 1% and 2%, respectively. A linear dependence of T1 with temperature was measured between 10°C and 60°C. In vivo, less than 1% variation was measured between successive T1 maps in the mouse brain. In the abdomen, no obvious in‐plane motion artifacts were observed but respiratory motion in the slice dimension led to 6% T1 underestimation. Conclusion The multislice MP2RAGE sequence could be used for fast whole‐body T1 mapping and MR thermometry. Its reconstruction method would enable on‐the‐fly reconstruction.