Free‐breathing simultaneous T (1), T (2), and T (2) (∗) quantification in the myocardium

PURPOSE: To implement a free‐breathing sequence for simultaneous quantification of [Formula: see text] , [Formula: see text] , and [Formula: see text] for comprehensive tissue characterization of the myocardium in a single scan using a multi‐gradient‐echo readout with saturation and [Formula: see text] preparation pulses. METHODS: In the proposed Saturation And [Formula: see text] ‐prepared Relaxometry with Navigator‐gating (SATURN) technique, a series of multi‐gradient‐echo (GRE) images with different magnetization preparations was acquired during free breathing. A total of 35 images were acquired in 26.5 ± 14.9 seconds using multiple saturation times and [Formula: see text] preparation durations and with imaging at 5 echo times. Bloch simulations and phantom experiments were used to validate a 5‐parameter fit model for accurate relaxometry. Free‐breathing simultaneous [Formula: see text] , [Formula: see text] , and [Formula: see text] measurements were performed in 10 healthy volunteers and 2 patients using SATURN at 3T and quantitatively compared to conventional single‐parameter methods such as SASHA for [Formula: see text] , [Formula: see text] ‐prepared bSSFP, and multi‐GRE for [Formula: see text]. RESULTS: Simulations confirmed accurate fitting with the 5‐parameter model. Phantom measurements showed good agreement with the reference methods in the relevant range for in vivo measurements. Compared to single‐parameter methods comparable accuracy was achieved. SATURN produced in vivo parameter maps that were visually comparable to single‐parameter methods. No significant difference between [Formula: see text] , [Formula: see text] , and [Formula: see text] times acquired with SATURN and single‐parameter methods was shown in quantitative measurements (SATURN [Formula: see text] , [Formula: see text] , [Formula: see text]; conventional methods: [Formula: see text] , [Formula: see text] , [Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]) CONCLUSION: SATURN enables simultaneous quantification of [Formula: see text] , [Formula: see text] , and [Formula: see text] in the myocardium for comprehensive tissue characterization with co‐registered maps, in a single scan with good agreement to single‐parameter methods.