A fast 3D Look-Locker method for volumetric T1 mapping

We introduce a fast technique, based on the principles of the 2D Look-Locker T-1 measurement scheme, to rapidly acquire the data for accurate maps of T-1 in three dimensions. The acquisition time has been shortened considerably by segmenting the acquisition of the k(y) phase encode lines. Using this technique, the data for a 256 x 128 x 32 volumetric T-1 measurement can be acquired in 7.6 min. T-1 measurements made in phantoms with T(1)s between 200 and 1200 ms had an accuracy of 4% and a reproducibility of 3.5%. Measurements of T-1 made in normal brain using the fast 3D sequence corresponded well with inversion-recovery fast spin-echo measurements. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc.