Evaluation of a rapid multi-parametric quantitative brain mapping method in awake children

Motivation: Rapid multi-contrast MRI acquisitions are crucial to minimize motion artifacts in awake pediatric subjects. Goal(s): To evaluate a newly developed EPI-based multi-contrast MRI sequence for generating multi-parametric quantitative brain maps in awake pediatric participants. Approach: T1, T2, and T2* measurements were obtained using the rapid imaging sequence in 17 children (age 3-10 years). The parametric values were compared to those acquired using conventional mapping sequences, and repeatability and reproducibility were assessed. Results: The brain relaxation parametric values obtained with the rapid sequence were comparable to those obtained through conventional acquisitions. Furthermore, these values exhibited good repeatability and reproducibility. Impact: Rapid (1 minute and 15 seconds) measurements of T1, T2, and T2* in the brains of awake children (aged 3-10 years) were comparable to those obtained using conventional quantitative mapping methods.