Optimizing Deep Brain Grey Matter T1w Imaging at 0.5T

We report on protocol optimizations to produce white matter nulled images as well as to optimize visualization of subcortical structures. Quantitative T1 mapping of brain tissue at 0.5T estimated the T1 of white and grey matter as 510 and 760 ms respectively. From this an MPRAGE protocol with optimal subcortical matter contrast was found with TI=415ms. Deep brain grey/white matter visualization can be improved with a white matter nulled protocol using TI=250ms.