Precise estimate of fundamental in-vivo MT parameters in human brain in clinically feasible times

A methodology is presented for extracting precise quantitative MT parameters using a magnetisation-prepared spoiled gradient echo sequence. This method, based on a new mathematical model, provides relaxation parameters for human brain in-vitro and in-vivo. The in-vivo parameters have been obtained from three different regions of normal white matter: occipital white matter, frontal white matter and centrum semiovale; two regions of normal grey matter: cerebral cortex and cerebellum, and from five regions with MS lesions. All this has been achieved using MT images collected within a timeframe that is clinically feasible. We hope that this new technique will shed light on the properties and dynamics of water compartments within the brain. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.