Are Movement Artifacts in Magnetic Resonance Imaging a Real Problem?-A Narrative Review
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Published on: September 8, 2021
Inger Havsteen1, Anders Ohlhues2, Kristoffer H Madsen3
1Department of Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Abstract:
Movement artifacts compromise image quality and may interfere with interpretation, especially in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications with low signal-to-noise ratio such as functional MRI or diffusion tensor imaging, and when imaging small lesions. High image resolution has high sensitivity to motion artifacts and often prolongs scan time that again aggravates movement artifacts. During the scan fast imaging techniques and sequences, optimal receiver coils, careful patient positioning, and instruction may minimize movement artifacts. Physiological noise sources are motion from respiration, flow and pulse coupled to cardiac cycles, from the swallowing reflex and small spontaneous head movements. Par example, in resting-state functional MRI spontaneous neuronal activity adds 1-2% of signal change, even under optimal conditions signal contributions from physiological noise remain a considerable fraction hereof. Movement tracking during imaging may allow for prospective correction or postprocessing steps separating signal and noise.
Insights
Movement artifacts degrade MRI quality, impacting interpretation, especially in functional MRI. Techniques like fast imaging and movement tracking can minimize these artifacts for clearer results.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Neuroimaging
- Biophysics
Background:
- Movement artifacts significantly compromise Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) quality, particularly in low signal-to-noise ratio applications like functional MRI (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).
- High-resolution imaging exacerbates motion artifacts due to prolonged scan times and increased sensitivity.
- Physiological noise sources include respiration, cardiac cycles, swallowing, and spontaneous head movements, which are inherent challenges in MRI acquisition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of movement artifacts on MRI quality and interpretation.
- To discuss strategies for minimizing movement artifacts during MRI scans.
- To highlight the role of movement tracking in artifact correction.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on MRI artifacts and motion correction techniques.
- Discussion of physiological noise sources in MRI.
- Exploration of prospective and postprocessing correction methods.
Main Results:
- Movement artifacts are a significant challenge in MRI, affecting image quality and diagnostic accuracy.
- Various techniques, including fast imaging, optimized coils, patient positioning, and instruction, can mitigate artifacts.
- Movement tracking offers potential for real-time correction and improved signal-to-noise separation.
Conclusions:
- Minimizing movement artifacts is crucial for reliable MRI interpretation, especially in advanced neuroimaging techniques.
- A combination of optimized scanning parameters, patient management, and advanced tracking technologies is necessary.
- Future research should focus on robust movement tracking and correction algorithms to enhance MRI data integrity.
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