Influence of Contrast-Related MRI Pulse Parameters on Signal Enhancement by Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agent in Post-Contrast MRI Sequences

Motivation: The correlations between signal enhancement by gadolinium (Gd) complexes and pulse sequences or parameters are not well elucidated. Goal(s): To investigate the influence of repetition time (TR), echo time (TE), inversion time (TI) and flip angle (FA) on signal intensity corresponding to Gd concentration. Approach: Phantom containing various Gd concentration solutions was scanned using pulse sequences with various TR, TE, TI and FA. Results: Pulse sequences with longer TR and shorter TE increased signal intensity in lower and higher Gd concentrations, respectively. Application of longer TI and higher FA increased signal intensity at lower and higher Gd concentrations, respectively. Impact: Pulse sequences with long TR, long TI or low FA can improve SE in human tumor tissue with Gd concentrations less than 2 mM, while high FA is appropriate in high Gd concentration environments such as MR angiography.