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Modulation transfer function measurement of three-dimensional T1-weighted turbo spin echo sequence with low refocusing flip angles using single-plate method

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Abstract

This study aimed to demonstrate the usefulness of modulation transfer function (MTF) measurements using the single-plate method to evaluate changes in resolution properties that are dependent on three parameters: echo train length (ETL), low refocusing flip angle (RFA), and start-up echo in three-dimensional T1-weighted turbo spin echoes (TSE) with a low RFA and to optimize these parameters. Although the MTFs were slightly degraded with an RFA of 120°, they were considerably degraded with an RFA of ≤ 90°. On the other hand, the MTF of low RFA was greatly improved by setting the start-up echo, allowing setting a long ETL. The single-plate method provided a clear and easy evaluation of the resolution properties of low RFA TSE. Furthermore, this method allows us to visualize changes in the signal intensity of each echo in k-space, depending on the sequence variation. These results suggest that the MTF measurement using the single-plate method is useful for evaluating the resolution properties of TSE sequences and optimizing the measured parameters.

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Funding

This work was partially supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant 18K07703.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Kurihara Central Hospital, 3-1-1 Miyano Chuo, Tsukidate, Kurihara, Miyagi, 987-2205, Japan

    Rei Yoshida

  2. Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2‑1 Seiryo‑machi, Aoba‑ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980‑8575, Japan

    Rei Yoshida & Yoshio Machida

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  1. Rei Yoshida
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  2. Yoshio Machida
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Correspondence to Rei Yoshida.

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Yoshida, R., Machida, Y. Modulation transfer function measurement of three-dimensional T1-weighted turbo spin echo sequence with low refocusing flip angles using single-plate method. Radiol Phys Technol 16, 346–353 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12194-023-00711-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12194-023-00711-8

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