Optimized T1‐weighted MP‐RAGE MRI of the brain at 0.55 T using variable flip angle coherent gradient echo imaging and deep learning reconstruction

Abstract Purpose To propose and evaluate an optimized MP‐RAGE protocol for rapid T 1 ‐weighted imaging of the brain at 0.55 T. Methods Incoherent and coherent steady state free precession (SSFP) RAGE kernels with constant and variable excitation angles were investigated in terms of the white matter SNR and the white matter–gray matter signal difference. Potential edge smearing from the transient signal readout was assessed based on a differential point spread function analysis. Finally, the prospects of a deep‐learning reconstruction (DLR) method for accelerated MP‐RAGE MRI of undersampled data were evaluated for the best performing variant. Results MP‐RAGE imaging with a variable flip angle (vFA) SSFP‐FID kernel outperformed all other investigated variants. As compared to the standard MPRAGE sequence using a spoiled gradient echo kernel with constant flip angle, vFA SSFP‐FID offered an average gain in the white matter SNR of 21% ± 2% and an average improvement for the white matter–gray matter signal difference for cortical gray matter of 47% ± 7%. The differential point spread function was narrowest for the spoiled gradient echo but slightly increased by 8% for vFA SSFP‐FID. For vFA SSFP‐FID, DLR offered a considerable decrease in the overall scan time from 5:17 min down to 2:46 min without noticeable image artifacts and degradations. Conclusions At 0.55 T, a vFA MP‐RAGE variant using an SSFP‐FID kernel combined with a DLR method offers excellent prospects for rapid T 1 ‐weighted whole brain imaging in less than 3 min with nearly 1 mm (1.12 × 1.17 × 1.25 mm 3 ) isotropic resolution.