Novel method for rapid, simultaneous T1, T2*, and proton density quantification

An imaging method called "quantification of relaxation times and proton density by twin-echo saturation-recovery turbo-field echo" (ORAPTEST) is presented as a means of quickly determining the longitudinal T-1 and transverse T-2* relaxation time and proton density (PD) within a single sequence. The method also includes an estimation of the B, field inhomogeneity. High-resolution images covering large volumes can be achieved within clinically acceptable times of 5-10 min. The range of accuracy for determining T-1, T-2*, and PD values is flexible and can be optimized relative to any anticipated values. We validated the experimental results against existing methods, and provide a clinical example in which quantification of the whole brain using 1.5 mm(3) voxels was achieved in less than 8 min.