Quantitative magnetization transfer ultrashort echo time imaging using a time‐efficient 3D multispoke Cones sequence

PURPOSE: To accelerate the quantitative ultrashort echo time imaging using a time-efficient 3D multispoke Cones sequence with magnetization transfer (3D UTE-Cones-MT) and signal modeling. THEORY AND METHODS: A 3D UTE-Cones-MT acquisition scheme with multispoke per MT preparation and a modified rectangular pulse (RP) approximation was developed for two-pool MT modeling of macromolecular and water components including their relative fractions, relaxation times and exchange rates. Numerical simulation and cadaveric specimens, including human Achilles tendon and bovine cortical bone, were investigated using a clinical 3T scanner. RESULTS: Numerical simulation showed that the modified RP model provided accurate estimation of MT parameters when multispokes were acquired per MT preparation. For the experiment with the Achilles tendon and cortical bone samples, the macromolecular fractions were 20.4 ± 2.0% and 59.4 ± 5.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: tissues. Magn Reson Med 79:692-700, 2018.