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Helical MR: continuously moving table axial imaging with radial acquisitions
Ajit Shankaranarayanan1, Robert Herfkens, Brian M Hargreaves
1GE Medical Systems, Applied Science Lab, Menlo Park, California 94025, USA. ajit.shankaranarayanan@med.ge.com
Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
|October 31, 2003
Summary
This study introduces a novel helical MRI technique for extended field of view imaging. It achieves high-resolution, whole-body scans efficiently, enabling better visualization of small structures.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Background:
- Current MRI techniques face limitations in achieving extended fields of view efficiently.
- There is a need for faster MRI methods capable of resolving small structures over large areas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present and validate a new helical MRI technique for extended field of view imaging.
- To assess the feasibility and image quality of this novel approach for clinical applications.
Main Methods:
- A helical k-space trajectory was employed, synchronized with a continuously moving patient table.
- A fully refocused steady-state free precession (SSFP) acquisition was utilized with the body RF coil for transmission and reception.
- Real-time image reconstruction was performed.
Main Results:
- The helical MRI technique demonstrated the ability to resolve small structures along the table-motion direction.
- Scan times were sufficiently short for reasonable breath-hold durations, maintaining diagnostic spatial resolution.
- Whole-body images of healthy volunteers showed high image quality.
Conclusions:
- The presented helical MRI technique offers an efficient method for extended field of view imaging.
- This approach holds promise for improved diagnostic capabilities in clinical MRI, particularly for whole-body examinations.