Optimizing MR Fingerprinting Pulse Sequences for Neonates and Across Age Ranges

Motivation: Due to significantly different relaxation times and image contrasts between neonate and adult brain, MR sequences optimized for adults are sub-optimal and may produce measurement bias in pediatric scans. Goal(s): Optimizing MR fingerprinting pulse sequence for neuroimaging across age ranges. Approach: We predicted and minimized measurement errors using the systematic error index model with a digital neonate brain phantom to optimize MRF sequence parameters. Optimized sequences were compared against an adult-optimized sequence via simulation and in vivo scans. Results: Optimized sequences showed improved image quality and accuracy for infant scans and maintained accuracy for adult scans in both simulation and in vivo experiments. Impact: We present the first application of the systematic error index model for MRF sequence optimization for brain scans across age ranges to achieve high measurement accuracy with reduced scan time.