T1ρ-mapping constitutes a promising contrast-free alternative to LGE MRI for assessment of myocardial viability. However its applicability is hindered by susceptibility to B0 and B1+ field imperfections. In this work we propose a single breath-hold ECG-triggered adiabatically-prepared single-shot bSSFP T1ρ-mapping sequence. Bloch simulations are employed to identify optimal parameters for adiabatic pulses. The use of adiabatic preparations yields better resilience to system inhomogeneities and improved myocardium/blood contrast compared with conventional spin-lock modules, both in phantom and in-vivo. Thus, adiabatically-prepared sequences at 3T form a promising candidate for non-contrast evaluation of ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies.
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