A Single-Shot Multiple Spin- And Gradient-Echo Acquisition for Perfusion Imaging Using SENSE Acceleration and Partial K-Space Sampling

Jack T. Skinner¹, ², Ryan K. Robison², ³, Christopher C. Quarles¹, ²

Previous single-echo techniques for perfusion imaging have been extended to multiple-echo sequences to acquire more accurate estimates of R₂* with contrast injection. Recently, a spin- and gradient-echo (SAGE) acquisition, for simultaneous R₂ and R₂* mapping, was introduced. This current study implements a single-shot SAGE sequence that utilizes SENSE parallel imaging and partial k-space sampling, allowing short echo times (< 10ms) suitable for AIF characterization. Validation of the current protocol with conventional multiple-echo acquisitions was carried out in phantoms and in the brain. The suggested single-shot SAGE acquisition may provide a robust method for quantitative perfusion imaging in brain tumors.