Rapid, accurate and precise T1 mapping in rat heart at 9.4 T MRI

Motivation: Preclinical cardiac T1 mapping in high field encountered a great challenge, such as rapid heart rate, B0 and B1 inhomogeneity, which affects both accuracy and precision in T1. Goal(s): We aim to develop an accurate, fast and reproducible T1 mapping method at 9.4 T MRI. Approach: We adapted inversion efficiency (IE) to the segmented Look-locker sequence and validated it in a phantom, as well as in aorta banding rats. Results: Segmented Look-Locker T1 mapping with IE is a fast and accurate T1 mapping method, which corrects the imperfection of inversion pulse in high field. Impact: We have developed a rapid, highly precise T1 mapping technique for rat hearts using 9.4 T MRI, enabling longitudinal scans and comparisons between different animals.