Burst imaging: rotation artifacts and how to correct them

The effect of coherent rotational motion on images acquired with the ultrafast single-shot spin-echo Burst sequence has been analyzed. Previous experience has demonstrated that sample rotation during Burst experiments has the potential to cause severe image artifacts. In this paper we show that no distortions are visible when the readout gradient is parallel to the rotation axis, but that there is a very distinctive behavior for the case of the rotation axis orthogonal to the imaging plane. The mathematical expression that describes the resulting signal is presented and is used as a basis for a method of correcting the k-space data. The conditions under which undistorted images may be recovered are discussed. It is shown that there is an asymmetry, dependent on the rotation direction, in both the manifestation of the artifact and the range of angular velocities over which one can correct the images. Data from an agar gel phantom rotating at a known rate are used to show how the theory is successful at reconstructing images, with no free parameters. The range of angular velocities over which correction is possible depends on the timing parameters of the pulse sequence, but for these data was -0.016 < omega less, similar 0.1 revolutions/s. Volunteer experiments have confirmed that the theory is applicable to patient motion and can correct motional distortion even when the exact rate is not known a priori. By optimizing the reconstruction to restore a known sample geometry/aspect ratio, an estimate of the rotation angular frequency is obtained with a precision of +/-10%.     

Retrospective intra-scan motion correction

This paper analyzes the effects of intra-scan motion and demonstrates the possibility of correcting them directly in k-space with a new automatic retrospective method. The method is presented for series of 2D acquisitions with Cartesian sampling. Using a reference k-space acquisition (corrected for translations) within the series, intra-scan motion parameters are accurately estimated for each trajectory in k-space of each data set in the series resulting in pseudo-random sample positions. The images are reconstructed with a Bayesian estimator that can handle sparse arbitrary sampling in k-space and reduces intra-scan rotation artefacts to the noise level. The method has been assessed by means of a Monte Carlo study on axial brain images for different signal-to-noise ratios. The accuracy of motion estimates is better than 0.1 degrees for rotation, and 0.1 and 0.05 pixel, respectively, for translation along the read and phase directions for signal-to-noise ratios higher than 6 of the signals on each trajectory. An example of reconstruction from experimental data corrupted by head motion is also given.     

Phase contrast MRI with improved temporal resolution by view sharing: k-space related velocity mapping properties.

Phase contrast techniques in combination with k-space segmented CINE imaging are widely used for the quantitative assessment of blood flow or tissue motion. The temporal resolution of the corresponding pulse sequences plays an important role concerning the potential of the method to fully detect time resolved flow or motion patterns. A further improvement of temporal or spatial resolution in phase contrast CINE MRI can be achieved by the application of view sharing. Based on simulations with point-spread-functions resulting from different cyclic flow or motion patterns an analysis of view sharing techniques in combination with phase contrast MRI is presented. Velocity mapping properties and the role of different k-space regions concerning the resulting values in the phase images and thus encoded velocities were investigated. It could be shown that the velocity induced phase shifts in phase contrast techniques are mainly encoded in the central sections of k-space which makes view sharing also suitable for velocity mapping. As a result the use of appropriate sampling and data acquisition schemes permits the assessment of flow or motion patterns with significantly improved temporal resolution without loss of functional information. In addition phantom measurements with an oscillation phantom were performed in order to validate the simulation results and to demonstrate the potential of view sharing techniques to accelerate phase contrast imaging and improve the detection of the underlying flow or motion dynamics.     

Motion artifact reduction technique for dual-contrast FSE imaging

There is considerable similarity between proton density-weighted (PDw) and T2-weighted (T2w) images acquired by dual-contrast fast spin-echo (FSE) sequences. The similarity manifests itself in image space as consistency between the phases of PDw and T2w images and in k-space as correspondence between PDw and T2w k-space data. A method for motion artifact reduction for dual-contrast FSE imaging has been developed. The method uses projection onto convex sets (POCS) formalism and is based on image space phase consistency and the k-space similarity between PDw and T2w images. When coupled with a modified dual-contrast FSE phase encoding scheme the method can yield considerable artifact reduction, as long as less than half of the acquired data is corrupted by motion. The feasibility and efficiency of the developed method were demonstrated using phantom and human MRI data.     

Multi-frequency interpolation in spiral magnetic resonance fingerprinting for correction of off-resonance blurring

Magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) pulse sequences often employ spiral trajectories for data readout. Spiral k-space acquisitions are vulnerable to blurring in the spatial domain in the presence of static field off-resonance. This work describes a blurring correction algorithm for use in spiral MRF and demonstrates its effectiveness in phantom and in vivo experiments. Results show that image quality of T1 and T2 parametric maps is improved by application of this correction. This MRF correction has negligible effect on the concordance correlation coefficient and improves coefficient of variation in regions of off-resonance relative to uncorrected measurements.     

Reduced aliasing artifacts using shaking projection k-space sampling trajectory

Radial imaging techniques, such as projection-reconstruction （PR）, are used in magnetic resonance imaging （MRI） for dynamic imaging, angiography, and short-T2 imaging. They are less sensitive to flow and motion artifacts, and support fast imaging with short echo times. However, aliasing and streaking artifacts are two main sources which degrade radial imaging quality. For a given fixed number of k-space projections, data distributions along radial and angular directions will influence the level of aliasing and streaking artifacts. Conventional radial k-space sampling trajectory introduces an aliasing artifact at the first principal ring of point spread function （PSF）. In this paper, a shaking projection （SP） k-space sampling trajectory was proposed to reduce aliasing artifacts in MR images. SP sampling trajectory shifts the projection alternately along the k-space center, which separates k-space data in the azimuthal direction. Simulations based on conventional and SP sampling trajectories were compared with the same number projections. A significant reduction of aliasing artifacts was observed using the SP sampling trajectory. These two trajectories were also compared with different sampling frequencies. ASP trajectory has the same aliasing character when using half sampling frequency （or half data） for reconstruction. SNR comparisons with different white noise levels show that these two trajectories have the same SNR character. In conclusion, the SP trajectory can reduce the aliasing artifact without decreasing SNR and also provide a way for undersampling recon- struction. Furthermore, this method can be applied to three-dimensional （3D） hybrid or spherical radial k-space sampling for a more efficient reduction of aliasing artifacts.     

基于同伦l0范数最小化重建的三维动态磁共振成像

高欠采倍数的动态磁共振图像重建具有重要意义,是同时实现高时间分辨率和高空间分辨率动态对比度增强成像的重要环节.本研究提出一种结合黄金角变密度螺旋采样、并行成像和基于同伦l₀范数最小化的压缩感知的图像重建的三维动态磁共振成像方法.黄金角变密度螺旋采样轨迹被用来连续获取k空间数据,具有数据采集效率高、对运动不敏感等优点.在重建算法中,将多线圈稀疏约束应用于时间总变分域,使用基于l₀范数最小化的非线性重建算法代替传统的l₁范数最小化算法,进一步提高了欠采样率.仿真实验和在体实验表明本文所提的方法在保持图像质量的同时,也可以实现较高的空间分辨率和时间分辨率,初步验证了基于同伦l₀范数最小化重建在三维动态磁共振成像上的优势和临床价值.     

Phase-constrained parallel MR image reconstruction

A generalized method for phase-constrained parallel MR image reconstruction is presented that combines and extends the concepts of partial-Fourier reconstruction and parallel imaging. It provides a framework for reconstructing images employing either or both techniques and for comparing image quality achieved by varying k-space sampling schemes. The method can be used as a parallel image reconstruction with a partial-Fourier reconstruction built in. It can also be used with trajectories not readily handled by straightforward combinations of partial-Fourier and SENSE-like parallel reconstructions, including variable-density, and non-Cartesian trajectories. The phase constraint specifies a better-conditioned inverse problem compared to unconstrained parallel MR reconstruction alone. This phase-constrained parallel MRI reconstruction offers a one-step alternative to the standard combination of homodyne and SENSE reconstructions with the added benefit of flexibility of sampling trajectory. The theory of the phase-constrained approach is outlined, and its calibration requirements and limitations are discussed. Simulations, phantom experiments, and in vivo experiments are presented.     

Matrix completion-based reconstruction for undersampled magnetic resonance fingerprinting data

An iterative reconstruction method for undersampled magnetic resonance fingerprinting data is presented. The method performs the reconstruction entirely in k-space and is related to low rank matrix completion methods. A low dimensional data subspace is estimated from a small number of k-space locations fully sampled in the temporal direction and used to reconstruct the missing k-space samples before MRF dictionary matching. Performing the iterations in k-space eliminates the need for applying a forward and an inverse Fourier transform in each iteration required in previously proposed iterative reconstruction methods for undersampled MRF data. A projection onto the low dimensional data subspace is performed as a matrix multiplication instead of a singular value thresholding typically used in low rank matrix completion, further reducing the computational complexity of the reconstruction. The method is theoretically described and validated in phantom and in-vivo experiments. The quality of the parameter maps can be significantly improved compared to direct matching on undersampled data.     

Optimization of view ordering for motion artifact suppression

Motion artifacts in MRI may be reduced by optimized view ordering. Extensive simulations of view-ordering techniques were performed on high-resolution phantom images to determine the best strategy for distributing motion in k-space. Although not exhaustive, simulation results indicate that minimizing motion at the center of k-space is critical to overall image quality. For 2D imaging, using edge-center-edge view order and setting the readout direction parallel to the direction of the motion produces the sharpest point spread function and the lowest image energy error. For 3D imaging, using an edge-center-edge view order proves to be the optimum choice in general. Given these observations, several important issues regarding the measurement of motion effects are discussed.     

Three dimensional k-space trajectory design using genetic algorithms

Image quality and total scan time in MRI are determined in large part by the trajectory employed to sample the Fourier space. Each trajectory has different properties like coverage of k-space, scan time, sensitivity to off-resonance conditions, etc. These properties are often contradictory, therefore a universal optimal trajectory does not exist and ultimately, it will depend on the image characteristics sought. Most trajectories used today are designed based on intuition and k-space analysis more than with optimization methods. This work presents a 3D k-space trajectory design method based on Genetic Algorithm optimization. Genetic Algorithms have been chosen because they are particularly good for searching large solution spaces. They emulate the natural evolutionary process allowing better offsprings to survive. The objective function searches the maximum of the trajectory's k-space coverage subject to hardware constraints for a fixed scanning time using the trajectory's torsion as its optimization variable.The method proved to be effective for generating k-space trajectories. They are compared with well-established trajectories. The results of simulated experiments show that they can be appropriate for image acquisition under certain special conditions, like off-resonance and undersampling. This design method can be extended to include other objective functions for different behaviors.     

Improved optimization strategies for autofocusing motion compensation in MRI via the analysis of image metric maps

Autofocusing is a postprocessing technique for motion correction, which optimizes an image quality metric against various trial motions. In this work, image metric maps, which are measures of image quality plotted as a function of in-plane 2-D trial translations, are systematically studied to develop improved autofocusing motion correction algorithms. It is shown that determining object motion with autofocusing is equivalent to an image metric map optimization problem. These maps provide insights into the motion compensation process and help improve several aspects of the correction algorithm, including the selection of the image metric and motion search strategy. A highly efficient and robust 2-D global optimization method is devised, exploiting the properties of the metric map pattern. The improved algorithm is used to correct phantom and clinical MR images with in-plane 2-D translational motion and is shown to be more effective than existing methods.     

Off-resonance correction using an estimated linear time map

Images acquired in the presence of magnetic field deviations and reconstructed without taking into account the off-resonance, are distorted and corrupted with artifacts. Several post-processing algorithms have been developed for correcting the distortion when it is not possible to fix the field inhomogeneities. These off-resonance correction methods are, in general, slow and computing intensive. To make them faster they are usually adapted to a particular situation or approximated. One of these approximations is to assume that the field map is linear. Although this assumption makes the algorithm fast and robust it is not well suited for arbitrary field maps. On the other hand, there are k-space trajectories with an almost linear time map (time at which each k-space value is acquired), such as 2DFT and EPI. This paper presents an algorithm for off-resonance correction based on a linear time map approximation. This approximation allows a fast algorithm that takes advantage of the almost linearity of the time map and uses the whole field map to correct the images. The proposed correction algorithm reduces the off-resonance induced artifacts while being fast. The linear approximation of the time map needs to be done only once for each trajectory because it does not depend on the acquired image or field map data. The method can also be extended to a multi-plane approximation for sequences with more complex time maps.     

High-flip-angle slice-selective parallel RF transmission with 8 channels at 7 T

At high magnetic field, B(1)(+) non-uniformity causes undesired inhomogeneity in SNR and image contrast. Parallel RF transmission using tailored 3D k-space trajectory design has been shown to correct for this problem and produce highly uniform in-plane magnetization with good slice selection profile within a relatively short excitation duration. However, at large flip angles the excitation k-space based design method fails. Consequently, several large-flip-angle parallel transmission designs have recently been suggested. In this work, we propose and demonstrate a large-flip-angle parallel excitation design for 90 degrees and 180 degrees spin-echo slice-selective excitations that mitigate severe B(1)(+) inhomogeneity. The method was validated on an 8-channel transmit array at 7T using a water phantom with B(1)(+) inhomogeneity similar to that seen in human brain in vivo. Slice-selective excitations with parallel RF systems offer means to implement conventional high-flip excitation sequences without a severe pulse-duration penalty, even at very high B(0) field strengths where large B(1)(+) inhomogeneity is present.     

Nonlinear profile order for three-dimensional hybrid radial acquisition applied to self-gated free-breathing cardiac cine MRI

This paper presents a nonlinear profile order scheme for three-dimensional(3D) hybrid radial acquisition applied to self-gated, free-breathing cardiac cine magnetic resonance imaging(MRI). In self-gated, free-breathing cardiac cine MRI,respiratory and cardiac motions are unpredictable during acquisition, especially for retrospective reconstruction. Therefore,the non-uniformity of the k-space distribution is an issue of great concern during retrospective self-gated reconstruction. A nonlinear profile order with varying azimuthal increments was provided and compared with the existing golden ratio-based profile order. Optimal parameter values for the nonlinear formula were chosen based on simulations. The two profile orders were compared in terms of the k-space distribution and phantom and human image results. An approximately uniform distribution was obtained based on the nonlinear profile order for persons with various heart rates and breathing patterns.The nonlinear profile order provides more stable profile distributions and fewer streaking artifacts in phantom images. In a comparison of human cardiac cine images, the nonlinear profile order provided results comparable to those provided by the golden ratio-based profile order, and the images were suitable for diagnosis. In conclusion, the nonlinear profile order scheme was demonstrated to be insensitive to various motion patterns and more useful for retrospective reconstruction.     

Truncation artifact reduction in spectroscopic imaging using a dual-density spiral k-space trajectory

Truncation artifacts arise in magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) of the human brain due to limited coverage of k-space necessitated by low SNR of metabolite signal and limited scanning time. In proton MRSI of the head, intense extra-cranial lipid signals “bleed” into brain regions, thereby contaminating signals of metabolites therein. This work presents a data acquisition strategy for reducing truncation artifact based on extended k-space coverage achieved with a dual-SNR strategy. Using the fact that the SNR in k-space increases monotonically with sampling density, dual-SNR is achieved in an efficient manner with a dual-density spiral k-space trajectory that permits a smooth transition from high density to low density. The technique is demonstrated to be effective in reducing “bleeding” of extra-cranial lipid signals while preserving the SNR of metabolites in the brain.     

K-space trajectory mapping and its application for ultrashort Echo time imaging

MR images are affected by system delays and gradient field imperfections which induce discrepancies between prescribed and actual k-space trajectories. This could be even more critical for non-Cartesian data acquisitions where even a small deviation from the assumed k-space trajectory results in severe image degradation and artifacts. Knowledge of the actual k-space trajectories is therefore crucial and can be incorporated in the reconstruction of high quality non-Cartesian images. A novel MR method for the calibration of actual gradient waveforms was developed using a combination of phase encoding increments and subsequent detection of the exact time point at which the corresponding trajectory is crossing the k-space origin. The measured sets of points were fitted to a parametrical model to calculate the complete actual acquisition trajectory. Measurements performed on phantoms and volunteers, positioned both in- and off-isocenter of the magnet, clearly demonstrate the improvement in reconstructed ultrashort echo time (UTE) images, when information from calibration of k-space sampling trajectories is employed in the MR image reconstruction procedure. The unique feature of the proposed method is its robustness and simple experimental setup, making it suitable for quick acquisition trajectory calibration procedures e.g. for non-Cartesian radial fast imaging.     

Computer-generated fMRI phantoms with motion-distortion interaction

As an extension of previous work on computer-generated phantoms, more accurate, realistic phantoms are generated by integrating image distortion and signal loss caused by susceptibility variations. With the addition of real motions and activations determined from actual functional MRI studies, these phantoms can be used by the fMRI community to assess with higher fidelity pre-processing algorithms such as motion correction, distortion correction and signal-loss compensation. These phantoms were validated by comparison to real echo-planar images. Specifically, studies have shown the effects of motion–distortion interactions on fMRI. We performed motion correction and activation analysis on these phantoms based on a block paradigm design using SPM2, and the results demonstrate that interactions between motion and distortion affect both motion correction and activation detection and thus represent a critical component of phantom generation.     

Accelerated free-breathing 3D whole-heart magnetic resonance angiography with a radial phyllotaxis trajectory,compressed sensing,and curvelet transform

PurposeTo develop and validate an accelerated free-breathing 3D whole-heart magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) technique using a radial k-space trajectory with compressed sensing and curvelet transform.MethodA 3D radial phyllotaxis trajectory was implemented to traverse the centerline of k-space immediately before the segmented whole-heart MRA data acquisition at each cardiac cycle. The k-space centerlines were used to correct the respiratory-induced heart motion in the acquired MRA data. The corrected MRA data were then reconstructed by a novel compressed sensing algorithm using curvelets as the sparsifying domain. The proposed 3D whole-heart MRA technique (radial CS curvelet) was then prospectively validated against compressed sensing with a conventional wavelet transform (radial CS wavelet) and a standard Cartesian acquisition in terms of scan time and border sharpness.ResultsFifteen patients (females 10, median age 34-year-old) underwent 3D whole-heart MRA imaging using a standard Cartesian trajectory and our proposed radial phyllotaxis trajectory. Scan time for radial phyllotaxis was significantly shorter than Cartesian (4.88 ± 0.86 min. vs. 6.84 ± 1.79 min., P-value = 0.004). Radial CS curvelet border sharpness was slightly lower than Cartesian and, for the majority of vessels, was significantly better than radial CS wavelet (P-value < 0.050).ConclusionThe proposed technique of 3D whole-heart MRA acquisition with a radial CS curvelet has a shorter scan time and slightly lower vessel sharpness compared to the Cartesian acquisition with radial profile ordering, and has slightly better sharpness than radial CS wavelet. Future work on this technique includes additional clinical trials and extending this technique to 3D cine imaging.     

Selective averaging for the diffusion tensor measurement

The multishot echo planar imaging sequence was often used in the high-resolution diffusion measurements. However, it is susceptible to motion artifacts because of the requirements of combining the raw data from different acquisitions into one complete k-space data set. Conventional solutions used cardiac gating but greatly extended the total acquisition time. Here we propose a selective averaging algorithm based on the information in the navigator echoes. The data were sampled continuously without cardiac gating. Contributions contaminated by motion were detected by a thresholding algorithm and were discarded during postprocessing. The data were then averaged in the modulus or complex format. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data with isotropic spatial resolution were acquired in phantom as well as from two normal volunteers. The information in the navigator echoes proved to be a good indicator for the extent of motion contamination. Differences were noticed between modulus and complex averaging in DTI quantification, but both showed reduced artifact and improved signal-to-noise ratio.