Quiet, rapid 3D multiparametric mapping using magnetization-prepared zero echo time MRI

Abstract

Purpose: To introduce and evaluate MuPa-ZTE, a quiet, rapid 3D framework combining native and magnetization-prepared zero echo time (ZTE) acquisitions for multiparametric mapping. Methods: MuPa-ZTE combines steady-state native ZTE with transient-state magnetization-prepared ZTE. Two implementations were evaluated: T2T1-ZTE for apparent proton density, T1, and T2 mapping, and T1-ZTE for apparent proton density and T1 mapping. Both were assessed in an ISMRM/NIST system phantom and two healthy volunteers; T2T1-ZTE was also demonstrated in a patient with brain metastases. The 10-minute phantom and 4.5-minute in vivo acquisitions were retrospectively truncated to 3, 2, and 1 minute and reconstructed with and without deep learning-based denoising. Evaluations included phantom agreement, precision, short-term repeatability, apparent SNR, edge sharpness, and consistency with full-duration in vivo maps. Results: T1 estimates remained close to nominal phantom values across implementations, durations, and reconstructions. T2 accuracy was maintained down to 2 minutes over the brain-relevant range, with limited sensitivity to longer T2 values. Denoising generally reduced variability and improved short-term repeatability. In vivo, 1.1-mm isotropic whole-brain maps were obtained in 4.5 minutes; denoising increased apparent SNR while preserving edge sharpness and yielded promising image quality after retrospective truncation to 2 minutes. Conclusion: MuPa-ZTE enables quiet, isotropic 3D multiparametric mapping within 4.5 minutes, supporting robust T1 mapping and T2 mapping over a brain-relevant range, with promising acceleration toward 2 minutes using deep learning-based denoising.