Measurement of 3D abdominal magnetic transfer ratio under a single breath-hold using 3D segmented EPI: a preliminary study

Motivation: Three-dimensional magnetic transfer ratio (MTR) measurement of the abdomen could be challenging due to the impact of motion. Goal(s): To validate if the 3D abdominal MTR could be measured under a single breath-hold using a 3D segmented EPI sequence. Approach: This study applied a 3D segmented EPI sequence with in- and through- plane accelerations to achieve 3D MTR measurement under a single breath-hold. Results: Three-dimensional MTR could be measured in a breath-hold of 17~18s, where 8s for a MT-on acquisition and 8s for a MT-off acquisition and a second or two for the system adjustment. Impact: Three-dimensional abdominal MTR measurement could be feasible in a single breath-hold using 3D EPI sequence. The gastrointestinal motility was noticed even at a time interval of 8s, which could impact the stability of the MTR measurement.