T2 Mapping of the Prostate at 7 Tesla: A Feasibility Study

Motivation: T2 relaxometry has shown potential to distinguish cancer from prostate tissue at 3T. Despite potential gains in resolution, it has been little explored at ultra-high field due to challenging B1+ homogeneity and efficiency. Goal(s): To investigate feasibility of prostate T2 mapping at 7T using a robust RF shimming procedure. Approach: We evaluated conventional 2D multi-echo spin echo and an optimized 3D T2-prepared segmented-FLASH sequence. Results: Spin-echo T2 maps showed good quality but required long acquisition times for limited coverage. The T2-prepared FLASH sequence showed similar values while providing higher scan efficiency, lower SAR, and whole-organ coverage at the cost of higher motion sensitivity. Impact: Quantitative T2 mapping at ultra-high field is challenging due to acquisition time and SAR restrictions, especially in the pelvic area. The methods investigated here may be used in future routine to detect and grade prostate cancer.