Improved Transverse Relaxometry: A New Fitting Model with Stimulated Echo Compensation

Robert Marc Lebel¹, Alan H. Wilman¹

We present a robust fitting model for transverse relaxometry with multi-echo spin-echo data. This model compensates for stimulated echo contributions arising from non-ideal RF pulse shape, width, and amplitude. We integrate echo amplitudes over the slice profile to obtain an aggregate decay curve for non-linear fitting to experimental data. This routine provides accurate relaxation times and an estimate of the transmit B1 field. This approach is validated in phantom models and in-vivo at 4.7 T. Our model improves relaxometry reliability at all field strengths and permits efficient data acquisition with thin refocusing widths.