Multiple-coil k-space interpolation enhances resolution in single-shot spatiotemporal MRI

Area of Science:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Image Reconstruction
• Signal Processing

Background:

• Spatio-temporal encoding (SPEN) offers artifact-free, single-scan MRI.
• Existing SPEN methods can be limited by folding, chemical shift, and susceptibility artifacts.
• Resolution enhancement in SPEN is crucial for advanced diagnostic imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel method for enhancing SPEN resolution using multiple receivers.
• To demonstrate artifact reduction and improved image quality in SPEN.
• To achieve single-shot submillimeter in-plane resolutions without compromising scan speed.

Main Methods:

• Developed a Super-resolved SPEN with SENSE (SUSPENSE) technique.
• Utilized k-space data interpolation enabled by multiple receiver coils.
• Implemented procedures akin to simultaneous acquisition of spatial harmonics and sensitivity encoding, but without fold-over constraints.

Main Results:

• Validated theoretical expectations through phantom and human volunteer experiments on a 3T scanner.
• Achieved significant resolution enhancement without increasing sequence complexity.
• Demonstrated 48-slice full-brain coverage at submillimeter resolution in 3 seconds, free from distortions, using multibanding and stimulated echo.

Conclusions:

• SUSPENSE successfully achieves the goals of multishot SPEN interleaving.
• Enables single-shot submillimeter in-plane resolutions in scanners with multiple sensors.
• Offers a robust and efficient method for high-resolution, artifact-free MRI.