Simultaneous Optimization of MP2RAGE T(1) ‐weighted (UNI) and FLuid And White matter Suppression (FLAWS) brain images at 7T using Extended Phase Graph (EPG) Simulations

PURPOSE: The MP2RAGE sequence is typically optimized for either T(1)‐weighted uniform image (UNI) or gray matter–dominant fluid and white matter suppression (FLAWS) contrast images. Here, the purpose was to optimize an MP2RAGE protocol at 7 Tesla to provide UNI and FLAWS images simultaneously in a clinically applicable acquisition time at <0.7 mm isotropic resolution. METHODS: Using the extended phase graph formalism, the signal evolution of the MP2RAGE sequence was simulated incorporating T(2) relaxation, diffusion, RF spoiling, and B(1) (+) variability. Flip angles and TI were optimized at different TRs (TR(MP2RAGE)) to produce an optimal contrast‐to‐noise ratio for UNI and FLAWS images. Simulation results were validated by comparison to MP2RAGE brain scans of 5 healthy subjects, and a final protocol at TR(MP2RAGE) = 4000 ms was applied in 19 subjects aged 8–62 years with and without epilepsy. RESULTS: FLAWS contrast images could be obtained while maintaining >85% of the optimal UNI contrast‐to‐noise ratio. Using TI(1)/TI(2)/TR(MP2RAGE) of 650/2280/4000 ms, 6/8 partial Fourier in the inner phase‐encoding direction, and GRAPPA factor = 4 in the other, images with 0.65 mm isotropic resolution were produced in <7.5 min. The contrast‐to‐noise ratio was around 20% smaller at TR(MP2RAGE) = 4000 ms compared to that at TR(MP2RAGE) = 5000 ms; however, the 20% shorter duration makes TR(MP2RAGE) = 4000 ms a good candidate for clinical applications example, pediatrics. CONCLUSION: FLAWS and UNI images could be obtained in a single scan with 0.65 mm isotropic resolution, providing a set of high‐contrast images and full brain coverage in a clinically applicable scan time. Images with excellent anatomical detail were demonstrated over a wide age range using the optimized parameter set.