Multiparametric mapping in post-mortem perinatal MRI: a feasibility study

Objectives: To demonstrate feasibility of a 3 T multiparametric mapping (MPM) quantitative pipeline for perinatal post-mortem MR (PMMR) imaging. Methods: Whole body quantitative PMMR imaging was acquired in four cases, mean gestational age 34 weeks, range (29–38 weeks) on a 3 T Siemens Prisma scanner. A multicontrast protocol yielded proton density, T1 and magnetic transfer (MT) weighted multi-echo images obtained from variable flip angle (FA) 3D fast low angle single-shot (FLASH) acquisitions, radiofrequency transmit field map and one B0 field map alongside four MT weighted acquisitions with saturation pulses of 180, 220, 260 and 300 degrees were acquired, all at 1 mm isotropic resolution. Results: Whole body MPM was achievable in all four foetuses, with R1, R2*, PD and MT maps reconstructed from a single protocol. Multiparametric maps were of high quality and show good tissue contrast, especially the MT maps. Conclusion: MPM is a feasible technique in a perinatal post-mortem setting, which may allow quantification of post-mortem change, prior to being evaluated in a clinical setting. Advances in knowledge: We have shown that the MPM sequence is feasible in PMMR imaging and shown the potential of MT imaging in this setting.