Simultaneous multi-slice MR-STAT for robust high-resolution full-brain relaxometry

Motivation: MR-STAT is a framework that enables simultaneous T1, T2 and proton-density mapping. Currently, MR-STAT acquires slices sequentially which is relatively inefficient in terms of SNR and time. Goal(s): Increase the scan-efficiency of MR-STAT while limiting motion-sensitivity Approach: We use a simultaneous multi-slice (SMS) acquisition to increase the scan efficiency of MR-STAT and use a two-step approach for the reconstruction: an SMS-SENSE reconstruction followed by a conventional slice-by-slice MR-STAT reconstruction. Results: Phantom and in-vivo results showed that a four-fold increase in encoded slices from 28 to 112 was possible achieving full-brain high-resolution T1, T2 and proton density maps in 5 minutes scan time. Impact: MR-STAT combined with a simultaneous multislice acquisition enables a 4-fold increase in scan efficiency. This can be used to increase the resolution in the slice-direction and allow the detection of smaller brain structures while not increasing scan time.