Simultaneous T1MPRAGE, FGATIR and NM acquisition of whole brain at 3T

Motivation: Conventional T1 structural MRI provides excellent overall brain morphology; however, limited in midbrain subnucleus imaging. Enhanced MR of the midbrain substructures such as substantia nigra is crucial in accurately targeting a specific subnuclei for deep-brain-stimulation or in neuro-melanin (NM) measurement for Parkinson's and bipolar disease. Goal(s): To develop simultaneous T1MPRAGE, FGATIR and NM acquisition in clinical acceptable time, ~10min Approach: Three imaging blocks of T1MPRAGE, FGAITR, and NM acquisition are concatenated after adiabatic inversion RF in single TR. Results: New sequence for simultaneous T1MPRAGE, FGATIR and NM acquisition was successfully developed and the feasibility of each unique contrast imaging was demonstrated. Impact: The advantages of new sequence could be beneficial for pre-surgical planning for accurate targeting a subnuclei, and NM measurement in Parkinson's or bipolar disease study, by providing whole brain anatomy, midbrain subnuclei and SN internal differentiation.