BTX: Simultaneous 3D Quantitative Magnetization Transfer Imaging and Susceptibility Mapping

We propose a novel sequence that enables simultaneous quantitative magnetization transfer (qMT) imaging and susceptibility mapping (QSM) for assessing tissue composition, microstructure, and microenvironment. We extend our BTS sequence to incorporate a multi-echo acquisition scheme for probing tissue susceptibility information. The acquisition allows quantification of B1+, bias-corrected T1, qMT parameters (macromolecule bound proton fraction and proton exchange rate), tissue susceptibility and T2*. The method’s feasibility is demonstrated using an in-vivo brain scan, where 3D concurrent qMT and QSM were obtained for the whole brain at feasible scan time.