Improving image quality and T1 measurements using saturation recovery turboFLASH with an approximate K-space normalisation filter

We present a method for reducing the image point-spread function and measuring T1 using saturation recovery turboFLASH (SRTF) with centric-ordered k-space and a k-space correction filter designed to compensate for longitudinal magnetisation evolution during image acquisition. The method provides a two point T1 measurement that reduces inaccuracies and image artefacts caused by longitudinal magnetisation evolution in conventional turboFLASH methods. The method is designed for use in rapid, quantitative measurements of contrast agent uptake in vivo.