Improving image quality and T(1) 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 T(1) 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 T(1) 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.