Improved Accuracy in T1 Mapping and Flip Angle Correction with Random Spoiling in Radial Gradient Echo Imaging

Wei Lin¹, Hee Kwon Song¹

Due to its high imaging speed and SNR efficiency, spoiled gradient echo imaging plays an important role in many quantitative MR methods. However, conventional RF spoiling generates non-ideal signal intensities, particularly at short repetition times and large flip angles, which could significantly reduce measurement accuracy. We propose a novel spoiling scheme, based on random gradient moments and RF phases, in conjunction with the radial acquisition scheme, to achieve ideally spoiled image intensities for a wide range of T₁, T₂, TR and flip angles. Phantom experiments demonstrate significant improvement in T₁ mapping and flip angle accuracy over conventional RF spoiling.