Precision in T1-Mapping and Estimation of Quality Maps

Peter Kellman¹, Andrew E. Arai¹, Hui Xue²

The sensitivity for detecting abnormal elevation of T1 is limited by the precision of T1 estimates, which is a function of the number and timing of measurements along the T1-recovery curve, the signal-to-noise ratio, tissue T1, and the method of fitting. It is proposed to produce a map calibrated in T1 units that represented the standard deviation (SD) of the T1 estimate, by transforming the SD of residual fitting error into the SD of the estimated parameters. Estimate of the T1 parameter error based on fit residuals is derived analytically, and validated by Monte-Carlo simulation. In-vivo examples demonstrate potential utility.