MRICOM–MRI COntrast Modelling using 2D T1–T2 correlation spectra and relaxation signatures

Image contrast is calculated by inputting experimental 2D T1–T2 relaxation spectra into the ODIN software interface. The method involves characterising a magnetic resonance imaging pulse sequence with a “relaxation signature” which describes the sensitivity of the sequence to relaxation and is independent of sample parameters. Maximising (or minimising) the overlap between the experimental 2D T1–T2 relaxation spectra and the relaxation signature can then be used to maximise image contrast. The concept is illustrated using relaxation signatures for the echo planar imaging and Turbo spin-echo imaging sequences, together with in-vitro 2D T1–T2 spectra for liver and cartilage.