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A brief review of parallel magnetic resonance imaging
Robin M Heidemann1, Ozkan Ozsarlak, Paul M Parizel
1Department of Physics, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany. heidemann@physik.uni-wuerzburg.de
Abstract:
Since the 1980s, the implementation of fast imaging methods and dedicated hardware for MRI scanners has reduced the image acquisition time from nearly an hour down to several seconds and has therefore enabled a widespread use of MRI in clinical diagnosis. Since this development, the greatest incremental gain in imaging speed has been provided by the development of parallel MRI (pMRI) techniques in late 1990s. Within the past 2 years, parallel imaging methods have become commercially available, which means that pMRI is now available for broad clinical use. In the clinical routine, virtually any MRI method can be enhanced by pMRI, allowing faster image acquisitions without any increased gradient system performance. In some cases pMRI can even result in a significant gain in image quality due to this faster acquisition. In this review article, the advantages and the disadvantages of pMRI in clinical applications are discussed and examples from many different daily applications are given.
Insights
Parallel MRI (pMRI) significantly speeds up Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, making it widely available for clinical diagnosis. This review explores pMRI
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Radiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has evolved significantly since the 1980s, with advancements reducing scan times from hours to seconds.
- The widespread clinical adoption of MRI is a direct result of these technological improvements in imaging speed and hardware.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the advantages and disadvantages of parallel MRI (pMRI) in clinical applications.
- To provide examples of daily clinical applications where pMRI enhances MRI procedures.
Main Methods:
- Review of parallel MRI (pMRI) techniques developed since the late 1990s.
- Analysis of the impact of pMRI on image acquisition speed and quality in clinical settings.
- Discussion of the commercial availability and broad clinical use of pMRI.
Main Results:
- Parallel MRI (pMRI) represents the most significant advancement in MRI imaging speed since the 1980s.
- pMRI enables faster image acquisition across virtually all MRI methods without requiring enhanced gradient system performance.
- In certain cases, the accelerated acquisition facilitated by pMRI can lead to improved image quality.
Conclusions:
- Parallel MRI (pMRI) is now broadly available for clinical use, offering substantial benefits in imaging speed.
- pMRI enhances routine MRI scans, allowing for quicker diagnoses and potentially better image quality.
- This review highlights the practical utility and implications of pMRI in diverse clinical scenarios.