Advantages of Multiexponential T2 Analysis

Abstract

Parameter-selective proton imaging is an in vivo method providing biochemical and biophysical information for characterization of tissues (functional images) (Gersonde et al. 1984, 1985). In addition, conventional images are obtained which exhibit anatomical information. By employing an overlay display algorithm both biochemical and anatomical information is visualized in one image (Tolxdorff 1987). Tissue differentiation is remarkably improved by separating T2 relaxation processes by means of multiexponential T2 analysis (Kamman et al. 1987). This method is based on the multiecho technique, which allows measurement of the transverse magnetization decay for each voxel of a slice. The advantages of multiexponential T2 analysis result from the possibility of recognizing up to three superimposed relaxation processes in one voxel by nonlinear T2 decomposition algorithms.