Motion Robust Gradient Echo-based T2 Mapping Using Readout Alternation for Pediatric Liver Imaging

Motivation: Motion artifacts in liver T2 mapping hinder accurate diagnosis in pediatric patients. Existing GRE-based T2 mapping methods are sensitive to motion, reducing their clinical utility for whole-liver imaging. Goal(s): To evaluate whether readout alternation (ROA) improves the motion robustness of GRE-based T2 mapping for pediatric liver imaging. Approach: Motion phantom and pediatric volunteer studies were conducted using GRE-based T2 mapping with and without ROA. T2 map quantitative accuracy was assessed under motion conditions. Results: ROA reduced motion artifacts, improving T2 map homogeneity and measurement consistency in both phantom and volunteer studies, demonstrating enhanced motion robustness in GRE-based T2 mapping. Impact: Implementing readout alternation (ROA) in GRE-based T2 mapping enhances motion robustness, enabling reliable whole-liver imaging. This advancement may improve diagnostic capabilities for liver diseases and encourage broader clinical adoption of rapid T2 mapping techniques in populations prone to motion artifacts.