Estimating T1 from multichannel variable flip angle SPGR sequences

Quantitative estimation of T₁ is a challenging but important task inherent to many clinical applications. The most commonly used paradigm for estimating T₁ in vivo involves performing a sequence of spoiled gradient‐recalled echo acquisitions at different flip angles, followed by fitting of an exponential model to the data. Although there has been substantial work comparing different fitting methods, there has been little discussion on how these methods should be applied for data acquired using multichannel receivers. In this note, we demonstrate that the manner in which multichannel data is handled can have a substantial impact on T₁ estimation performance and should be considered equally as important as choice of flip angles or fitting strategy. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.