Bias field correction for T1 mapping using phase-cycled bSSFP

Motivation: T1 quantification can be biased by transmit field inhomogeneities. Goal(s): To test whether a biasfree T1 quantification can be derived with phase-cycled bSSFP, without requiring additional field maps. Approach: The T1 distribution of white and gray matter in the brain was used to correct for the compound effects of biases affecting T1. Phase-cycled bSSFP and reference T1 and B1+ map acquisitions were performed in the brain of healthy subjects. Results: T1 histograms became more consistent when compared with those obtained by reference sequences. The bias-corrected T1 maps of the brain showed increased homogeneity, while not affecting anatomical details. Impact: Inaccuracies in T1 quantification from multiple bias sources, such as transmit field inhomogeneities or magnetization transfer may be removed simultaneously by utilizing the known T1 distribution of brain tissues. This ultimately may enable more objective tissue characterization.