Super-resolution T estimation: Quantitative high resolution T mapping from a set of low resolution T -weighted images with different slice orientations.

PURPOSE

Quantitative T mapping is a magnetic resonance imaging technique that estimates the spin-lattice relaxation time of tissues. Even though T mapping has a broad range of potential applications, it is not routinely used in clinical practice as accurate and precise high resolution T mapping requires infeasibly long acquisition times.

METHOD

To improve the trade-off between the acquisition time, signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution, we acquire a set of low resolution T -weighted images and directly estimate a high resolution T map by means of super-resolution reconstruction.

RESULTS

Simulation and in vivo experiments show an increased spatial resolution of the T map, while preserving a high signal-to-noise ratio and short scan time. Moreover, the proposed method outperforms conventional estimation in terms of root-mean-square error.

CONCLUSION

Super resolution T estimation enables resolution enhancement in T mapping with the use of standard (inversion recovery) T acquisition sequences. Magn Reson Med 77:1818-1830, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.