Spatial and temporal resolution in cardiovascular MR imaging: review and recommendations

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiology
• Physics

Background:

• Digital imaging in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can create discrepancies between acquired and displayed image resolution.
• The number of pixels or frames may not reflect true spatial or temporal resolution, leading to potential inaccuracies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To differentiate between acquired and displayed spatial and temporal resolution in MRI.
• To address the issue of misinterpretations and inaccuracies in reporting image resolution in scientific literature.

Main Methods:

• Discussion of how imaging parameters influence acquired spatial and temporal resolution.
• Analysis of the mathematical impact of reconstruction processes on displayed resolution.

Main Results:

• Pixel count and reconstructed frames do not always correlate with actual spatial and temporal resolution in MRI.
• Reconstruction algorithms can alter the displayed resolution independently of acquisition parameters.

Conclusions:

• Accurate reporting of spatiotemporal resolution in MRI literature is crucial.
• Recommendations are provided for authors to ensure unambiguous reporting of acquired and displayed resolution.