Extending real-time MRI of the oral cavity using simultaneous multislice and compressed sensing

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Biophysics
• Radiology

Background:

• Real-time MRI (rtMRI) is crucial for visualizing dynamic physiological processes.
• Simultaneous multi-slice imaging offers improved volumetric coverage and temporal resolution.
• Imaging the oral cavity presents challenges due to rapid movements during speech and swallowing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and demonstrate a novel rtMRI sequence capable of simultaneous multi-slice imaging.
• To apply this technique for high-temporal-resolution imaging of oral cavity dynamics.
• Specifically, to visualize tongue movement, speech articulation, and swallowing events.

Main Methods:

• Developed a radial rtMRI sequence incorporating multiband excitation.
• Explored golden-angle and adapted golden-angle trajectories for simultaneous multislice acceleration.
• Implemented a compressed sensing reconstruction pipeline for enhanced image quality.
• Acquired phantom and in vivo data on a 3T system using a head/neck coil.

Main Results:

• Achieved real-time MRI videos with temporal resolutions up to 25 ms.
• Successfully demonstrated imaging of tongue movement, speech, and swallowing dynamics.
• Confirmed sequence robustness against variations in slice distance and coil compression.

Conclusions:

• The combination of rtMRI, multiband excitation, and compressed sensing enables high-temporal-resolution imaging of the oral cavity.
• This technique provides unprecedented visualization of complex oral physiological functions.
• Offers potential for advanced diagnostics and research in speech, swallowing, and related disorders.