Time-of-flight angiography at 7T using TONE double spokes with parallel transmission.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To demonstrate that fast-kz spokes can be used in parallel transmission to homogenize flip angle ramp profiles (known as TONE) in slab selections, and thereby improve Time-Of-Flight angiography of the whole human brain at 7T. METHODS: B1+ and B0 maps were measured on seven human brains with a z-segmented coil connected to an 8-channel pTx system. Tailored two-spoke pulses were designed under strict hardware and SAR constraints for uniform slab profile before transforming their subpulse waveforms for linearly-increasing flip-angle ramps. Increasing angulations along the feet-head direction were prescribed in 2-slab and 3-slab TOF acquisitions. Excitation patterns were simulated and compared with RF-shimmed (single spoke) ramp pulses. Excitation performances were assessed in ~10-min TOF acquisitions by visually inspecting Maximal Intensity Projections angiograms. RESULTS: The flip-angle ramp fidelity achieved by double spokes inside slabs of interest was improved by 30-40% compared to RF-shimmed ramps. This allowed better homogenizing signal along arteries, and depicting small vessels in distal areas of the brain, in comparison with RF-shimmed ramp pulses or double-spoke uniform excitation. CONCLUSION: Ramp double spokes used in conjunction with parallel transmission yield better blood saturation compensation and more finely resolved TOF angiograms than mere double spokes or ramp single spokes at 7T.