Partially spoiled non-balanced oscillating steady state imaging - A new T2-mapping approach

Motivation: Determination of T2 typically depends on spin-echo based relaxometry. Partially spoiled non-balanced gradient echo imaging also allows T2-mapping but requires two data sets from two different steady states, making it prone to motion artefacts. Goal(s): To determine T2 from a single T2-weighted steady state. Approach: A combination of partial spoiling and oscillating steady state imaging was optimized using Bloch simulations, implemented on a human whole-body MR-scanner and tested on a test object and in vivo. Results: Partially spoiled oscillating steady state imaging allowed generating phase images similar to partially spoiled non-balanced SSFP imaging without the need to sequentially establish two different steady states. Impact: Partially spoiled gradient echo imaging allows T2-mapping without using large flip angles but requires data from two different steady states. By combining partial spoiling with oscillating steady state imaging T2 can be determined from one single oscillating steady state.