Rapid T2 mapping with blip-reversed multi-echo planar imaging

Motivation: Current methods for T2 mapping are time-consuming and susceptible to motion artifacts, hindering their clinical utility. Goal(s): Our goal is to develop a rapid and motion-robust T2 mapping technique. By significantly reducing scan times and eliminating motion artifacts, we aim to enhance the clinical feasibility of quantitative T2 mapping across diverse patient populations. Approach: Standard spin-echo EPI sequence was modified by incorporating additional readouts with alternating phase-encoding directions. Geometric distortions due to susceptibility-induced effects were corrected using TOPUP tool. Results: T2 maps generated using our sequence showed good correspondence with the T2 map from 3D GRASE reference both in phantom and volunteer studies. Impact: Our single-shot T2 mapping technique based on multi-echo spin echo EPI sequence not only advances imaging speed and accuracy but also caters to uncooperative populations, including pediatric patients and individuals prone to movement.