Fast T2-mapping with SNAPSHOT FLASH imaging

It has been shown recently that quantitative T2-maps may be measured by acquisition of a series of at least eight T2-weighted SNAPSHOT FLASH images. These measurements require a relaxation delay of 10–15 s after each T2-weighted image for the complete relaxation of the spin system. This results in long measuring times. The method presented in this paper allows a considerable reduction of the measuring time by combining the T2-sequence with a fast T1-measurement. Quantitative T1- and T2-maps may be acquired simultaneously in less than 30 s. The method was tested in a phantom experiment. In an in vivo application, relaxation times of different tissues in the abdomen of a rat were measured.