No Wait Inversion – a novel model for T1 mapping from inversion recovery measurements without the waiting times

This study proposes a combined fit of an inversion-prepared and non-prepared measurement for robust fast T1-mapping. Therefore, 24 slices in the brain were acquired with and without a global inversion pulse before each slice and no waiting time was heeded in between. Results of exponential model reconstructions for inversion measurement only, non-prepared measurement only and combined fitting of both measurements were compared towards their performance for T1-mapping. Robust and accurate T1-maps were achieved by the proposed combined model even in cases of imperfect inversion. It can thus eliminate long waiting times in between inversions or the necessity of perfect inversion pulses.