MR fingerprinting

MR fingerprinting (MRF) is a relatively recent approach to the acquisition and evaluation of MRI data aimed at generating quantitative multiparametric data from a single acquisition.

The underlying process is acquiring data in a pseudorandom manner resulting in a unique pattern of signal evolution unique to that tissue – thus the term 'fingerprinting' . The sequences used vary, but are typically gradient echo sequences such as steady-state free precession (SSFP) and fast imaging with steady-state free precession (FISP) .

These unique signal evolutions are then matched to a pre-defined 'dictionary' of signal fingerprints, allowing quantitative maps of T1, T2, proton density, and diffusion to be generated .

The hope of MR fingerprinting is that it will make comparison across individuals, scanners and vendors possible, rather than the current situation in which the vast majority of imaging data is qualitative .