Quantification of Transversal Relaxation Time T2 Using an Iterative Regularized Parallel Imaging Reconstruction

Markus Kraiger¹, Florian Knoll¹, Christian Clason², Rudolf Stollberger¹

Nonlinear parallel imaging reconstruction using an iterative regularized Gauss Newton method has shown its potential in several applications. This technique determines both the coil sensitivities and the image from undersampled multi-coil data. It enables high acceleration factors without pronounced local enhancement of noise. The numerical implementation of this sophisticated method requires data normalization steps which are usually performed individually for each slice and echo. In this study it was investigated if this type of reconstruction is applicable for quantitative imaging despite the complex reconstruction including image individual normalization. For that purpose high resolution multi-echo imaging with different acceleration factors was used for the quantification of the transverse relaxation time (T2).