Quick, Quiet and Quantitative Magnetization Transfer Imaging

Motivation: Quantitative magnetization transfer (qMT) imaging has been long known to provide valuable information for MS imaging. To promote the widespread adoption of this technique faster and efficient scan protocols are needed. Goal(s): To develop a patient-friendly, rapid, and reliable quantitative magnetization transfer scan. Approach: Our sequence consists of an inversion pulse followed by a zero-echo time (ZTE) readout. We observe magnetization transfer (MT) exchange effects between a fully inverted free water pool and a partially inverted bound water pool. Results: We show the feasibility of the method by producing quantitative maps of MT parameters. Impact: Fast patient-friendly quantitative scans will enable informative and frequent monitoring of MS. This is useful for personalised management of therapeutic courses and for drug development. We demonstrate a quick, quiet quantitative MT scan targeted to multiple sclerosis.