Magnetization transfer (MT) imaging has been extensively used to explore microstructural changes in the brain at high fields. In this work, we explore the potential of a 3D half-radial dual-echo balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) sequence for fast whole-brain magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) imaging at low-field strength. Our work indicates superiority of MT-sensitized bSSFP against conventional MT-prepared spoiled gradient echo (SPGR) in terms of MT contrast and resolution within similar scan time. In conclusion, MTR imaging with bSSFP offers excellent prospects for broad clinical translation and application at low fields.
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