Feasibility of Lung MR Fingerprinting at 0.55T using a Deep Image Prior Reconstruction

Motivation: Parametric mapping may enable early detection and monitoring of pulmonary diseases but is hampered by low signal levels, short T2/T2* values, and susceptibility artifacts. Goal(s): This project aims to develop an MRF approach for simultaneous 2D T1, T2, and M0 mapping in the lungs on a commercial 0.55T scanner. Approach: MRF data were acquired in five healthy subjects during a 16s breathhold, repeated at end-inspiration and end-expiration, and reconstructed using a deep image prior. Results: Feasibility of lung MRF at 0.55T was demonstrated in healthy subjects, with lung T1 of 868±57ms (expiration) and 806±59ms (inspiration), and T2 of 54.1±3.2ms (expiration) and 58.7±4.0ms (inspiration). Impact: This study demonstrates the feasibility of MR Fingerprinting for 2D T1, T2, and M0 mapping of the lung parenchyma at 0.55T in healthy subjects, which may have future clinical implications for various pulmonary diseases including asthma, emphysema, and cystic fibrosis.