Simultaneous measurement of water, MT, CEST, myelin water fraction, and susceptibility contrast using rosette-accelerated MR fingerprinting

Motivation: Quantitative MR-derived tissue parameters are typically measured one by one, which is time-consuming for clinical practice. Goal(s): To develop a novel multi-parametric MR fingerprinting (MRF) framework that simultaneously measures water, semisolid MT, CEST, myelin water fraction (MWF), and susceptibility contrast in a single scan. Approach: A motion-robust, rosette-accelerated MRF sequence was developed by combining RF saturation and T2-preparation modules. Optimized MRF acquisition parameters including RF saturation strength, saturation duration, frequency offset, relaxation delay, T2-prep TE, and readout TE, were varied during acquisition. Results: The multi-parametric rosette-MRF technique accurately quantified water, semisolid MT, CEST, MWF, susceptibility contrast, and B0 inhomogeneity from a single scan. Impact: A rosette-accelerated, multi-parametric MRF technique efficiently assesses various tissue parameters that serve as candidate biomarkers, providing valuable insights into a range of pathologies.