Preparation Scheme Optimization for Abdominal MRF

Motivation: Optimal sequence design for magnetization-prepared abdominal MRF is largely unexplored. Optimization could potentially result in reduced scan times and increased precision and accuracy. Goal(s): Investigate the predictive power of CRLB-based cost functions on the performance of magnetization-prepared MRF sequences. Approach: Sequences with different preparation schemes were selected based on CRLB cost functions and evaluated in simulations and in vivo experiments. In the resulting T1 and T2 maps, precision and accuracy were compared to the relative performance predictions of the cost functions. Results: The CRLB depends on selection and placement of preparation modules and is correlated with the quantification performance of the resulting sequences. Impact: Preliminary simulations and experiments indicate that the CRLB correlates well with precision and accuracy in magnetization-prepared abdominal MRF, and may be used for the optimization of these sequences.