Chimera Averaging for Robust SSFP Magnetization Transfer Contrast Imaging (MT-Chimera)

Christian Stehning¹, Peter Boernert¹

Balanced SSFP shows a pronounced magnetization transfer (MT) contrast, which allows for quantitative MT imaging. However, very accurate shimming is needed to cope with offresonances particularly at prolonged TR. A novel approach based on offset averaging of SSFP images with a linear frequency response is investigated. It presents a robust means for MT SSFP imaging with prolonged TR. This approach may be appealing in anatomic regions where susceptibilities cannot be addressed by shimming alone.