Publication
Title
NOVIFAST: A fast algorithm for accurate and precise VFA MRI $T_{1}$ mapping
Author
Abstract
 In quantitative magnetic resonance T 1 mapping, the Variable Flip Angle (VFA) steady state spoiled gradient recalled echo (SPGR) imaging technique is popular as it provides a series of high resolution T 1 weighted images in a clinically feasible time. Fast, linear methods that estimate T 1 maps from these weighted images have been proposed, such as DESPOT1 and iterative re- weighted linear least squares (IRWLLS). More accurate, non- linear least squares (NLLS) estimators are in play, but these are generally much slower and require careful initialization. In this work, we present NOVIFAST, a novel NLLS-based algorithm specifically tailored to VFA SPGR T 1 mapping. By exploiting the particular structure of the SPGR model, a computationally efficient, yet accurate and precise T 1 map estimator is derived. Simulation and in vivo human brain experiments demonstrate a twenty-fold speed gain of NOVIFAST compared to conven- tional gradient-based NLLS estimators, while maintaining a high precision and accuracy. Moreover, NOVIFAST is eight times faster than efficient implementations of the VARPRO method. Furthermore, NOVIFAST is shown to be robust against initialization.
Language
English
Source (journal)
IEEE transactions on medical imaging / Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers [New York, N.Y.] - New York, N.Y.
Publication
New York, N.Y. : 2018
ISSN
0278-0062
Volume/pages
37 :11 (2018) , p. 2414-2427
ISI
000449113800004
Pubmed ID
29993537
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
 Faculty/Department Research group Project info Blended relaxometry/diffusion MRI: a one-stop-shop approach.MVISION Publication type Subject Affiliation Publications with a UAntwerp address