Rapid three‐dimensional T1‐weighted MR imaging with the MP‐RAGE sequence

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Abstract
The authors investigated the application of three‐dimensional (3D) magnetization‐prepared rapid gradient‐echo (MP‐RAGE) imaging to the acquisition of small (32 × 128 × 256) T1‐weighted 3D data sets with imaging times of approximately 1 minute. A theoretical model was used to study the contrast behavior of brain tissue. On the basis of these theoretical results, 3D MP‐RAGE sequences were implemented on a 1.5‐T whole‐body imager. Thirty‐two‐section 3D data sets demonstrating good signal‐to‐noise ratios and resolution and strong T1‐weighted contrast were obtained in 1 minute. Compared with standard short TR/TE spin‐echo sequences with the same imaging times and comparable sequence parameters, the 3D MP‐RAGE sequence delivered increases of more than 50% in the white matter/gray matter signal difference‐to‐noise and white matter signal‐to‐noise ratios, and provided almost twice as many sections. These sequences may find a clinical role in 3D scout imaging and screening and in patients with claustrophobia or trauma.