T1 mapping with the variable flip angle technique: A simple correction for insufficient spoiling of transverse magnetization.

PURPOSE: The variable flip angle method derives T1 maps from radiofrequency-spoiled gradient-echo data sets, acquired with different flip angles α. Because the method assumes validity of the Ernst equation, insufficient spoiling of transverse magnetization yields errors in T1 estimation, depending on the chosen radiofrequency-spoiling phase increment (Δϕ). This paper presents a versatile correction method that uses modified flip angles α' to restore the validity of the Ernst equation. METHODS: Spoiled gradient-echo signals were simulated for three commonly used phase increments Δϕ (50°/117°/150°), different values of α, repetition time (TR), T1 , and a T2 of 85 ms. For each parameter combination, α' (for which the Ernst equation yielded the same signal) and a correction factor CΔϕ (α, TR, T1 ) = α'/α were determined. CΔϕ was found to be independent of T1 and fitted as polynomial CΔϕ (α, TR), allowing to calculate α' for any protocol using this Δϕ. The accuracy of the correction method for T2 values deviating from 85 ms was also determined. The method was tested in vitro and in vivo for variable flip angle scans with different acquisition parameters. RESULTS: The technique considerably improved the accuracy of variable flip angle-based T1 maps in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed method allows for a simple correction of insufficient spoiling in gradient-echo data. The required polynomial parameters are supplied for three common Δϕ. Magn Reson Med 79:3082-3092, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.