Purpose To demonstrate that quantitative magnetization transfer (qMT) parameters can be extracted from steady-state free-precession (SSFP) data with no external T-1 map or banding artifacts. Methods SSFP images with multiple MT weightings were acquired and qMT parameters fitted with a two-stage elliptical signal model. Results Monte Carlo simulations and data from a 3T scanner indicated that most qMT parameters could be recovered with reasonable accuracy. Systematic deviations from theory were observed in white matter, consistent with previous literature on frequency distribution effects. Conclusions qMT parameters can be extracted from SSFP data alone, in a manner robust to banding artifacts, despite several confounds.
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