Motion resolved rapid 3D multiparametric brain mapping with self-navigation

Motivation: While 3D multiparametric mapping acquisitions can provide rich and quantitative information, their long acquisition time renders them susceptible to motion. Goal(s): To develop a rapid, multiparametric technique for motion-robust brain mapping. Approach: 3D-QALAS acquisition with Cartesian variable-density sampling was implemented to achieve self-navigation while maintaining high scan efficiency. Brain position was estimated for each TR and incorporated in the reconstruction’s forward model. Results: The proposed method enabled reconstruction of motion-resolved datasets at a time resolution of 4.5s with tracking accuracy of <0.2 degrees and <0.5mm, providing T1 and T2 maps with significantly reduced artifacts and improved agreement with measurements from motion-free scans. Impact: We propose an efficient, whole-brain quantitative scan at 1mm3 resolution in 3:36min and incorporate self-navigated motion-correction, thereby obviating the need for navigators or external hardware. This benefits clinical translation especially for imaging unsedated children in clinical and research settings.