Rapid spin–lattice relaxation time mapping incorporating flip angle calibration in quantitative magnetic resonance imaging

Driven equilibrium single pulse observation of T1 (DESPOT1) is a rapid spin–lattice relaxation constant (T1) mapping technique in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, DESPOT1 is very sensitive to flip angle (FA) inhomogeneity, resulting in T1 inaccuracy. Here, a five-point DESPOT1 method is proposed to reduce the sensitivity to FA inhomogeneity through FA measurement and calibration. Phantom and in vivo experiments are performed to validate the technique. As a result, a rapid and accurate T1 mapping is acquired by using the proposed five-point DESPOT1 method.