T1-weighted Motion Mitigation in Abdominal MRI: Technical Principles, Clinical Applications, Current Limitations, and...

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background:

• T1-weighted (T1W) imaging is crucial for abdominal MRI but often requires multiple breath holds (BHs).
• Patient motion during BHs degrades T1W image quality, hindering diagnosis and reducing efficiency.
• Not all patients can sustain the necessary breath holds, posing a challenge for abdominal MRI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review technical principles of free-breathing motion mitigation techniques for T1W abdominal MRI.
• To provide an overview of clinical applications and limitations of these techniques.
• To offer practical guidance for abdominal MRI protocols in patients with limited BH capacity.

Main Methods:

• Review of established free-breathing techniques: respiratory gating, triggering, and radial imaging (e.g., golden-angle radial k-space acquisition).
• Discussion of factors influencing technique selection: clinical task, technical factors, patient condition, and user preference.
• Analysis of technical principles, clinical applications, and limitations of motion mitigation strategies.

Main Results:

• Free-breathing techniques offer viable alternatives to breath-hold T1W abdominal MRI.
• Established methods include respiratory gating, triggering, and radial acquisition techniques.
• Each technique presents unique strengths and limitations impacting clinical utility.

Conclusions:

• Free-breathing T1W sequences are essential for improving abdominal MRI in patients with limited BH abilities.
• Understanding and applying these techniques enhance diagnostic information and examination efficiency.
• Further development and application of free-breathing T1W imaging hold promise for future abdominal MRI.