In vivo investigation of the multi-exponential T2 decay in human white matter at 7 T: Implications for myelin water imaging at UHF

Introduction Multi-component T-2 mapping using a gradient- and spin-echo (GraSE) acquisition has become standard for myelin water imaging at 3 T. Higher magnetic field strengths promise signal-to-noise ratio benefits but face specific absorption rate limits and shortened T-2 times. This study investigates compartmental T-2 times in vivo and addresses advantages and challenges of multi-component T-2 mapping at 7 T. Methods We acquired 3D multi-echo GraSE data in seven healthy adults at 7 T, with three subjects also scanned at 3 T. Stimulated echoes arising from B-1(+) inhomogeneities were accounted for by the extended phase graph (EPG) algorithm. We used the computed T-2 distributions to determine T-2 times that identify different water pools and assessed signal-to-noise and fit-to-noise characteristics of the signal estimation. We compared short T-2 fractions and T-2 properties of the intermediate water pool at 3 T and 7 T. Results Flip angle mapping confirmed that EPG accurately determined the larger B-1(+) inhomogeneity at 7 T. Multi-component T-2 analysis demonstrated shortened T-2 times at 7 T compared with 3 T. Fit-to-noise and signal-to-noise ratios were improved at 7 T but depended on B-1(+) homogeneity. Adjusting the shortest T-2 to 8 ms and the T-2 threshold that separates different water compartments to 20 ms yielded short T-2 fractions at 7 T that conformed to 3 T data. Short T-2 fractions in myelin-rich white matter regions were lower at 7 T than at 3 T, and higher in iron-rich structures. Discussion Adjusting the T-2 compartment boundaries was required due to the shorter T-2 relaxation times at 7 T. Shorter echo spacing would better sample the fast decaying signal but would increase peripheral nerve stimulation. Multi-channel transmission will improve T-2 measurements at 7 T. Conclusion We used a multi-echo 3D GraSE sequence to characterize the multi-exponential T-2 decay at 7 T. We adapted T-2 parameters for evaluation of the short T-2 fraction. Obtained 7 T multi-component T-2 maps were in good agreement with 3 T data.