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

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.