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The effect of motion on two-dimensional Fourier transformation magnetic resonance images
Abstract:
The effect of motion on two-dimensional Fourier transformation magnetic resonance (MR) images was investigated using phantoms, animals, and normal volunteers. All images were obtained with a 0.30-Tesla superconducting magnet using spin echo pulse sequences. Respiratory motion was simulated while imaging the phantoms. In addition to image blurring, motion produced ghost images, or image harmonics. These ghost images were copies of the static image that was produced at periodic intervals. Canine images, which were obtained during respiration and after the administration of curare, showed significant improvement after respiratory motion was eliminated. Images of normal volunteers were improved with respiratory and cardiac gating, but data acquisition time was significantly increased. These results indicate that MR image quality could be improved with a system that acquires all necessary data within a single breathhold .
Insights
Motion significantly degrades magnetic resonance (MR) imaging quality by causing blurring and ghosting. Eliminating motion through techniques like breathholding can substantially improve MR image clarity and diagnostic value.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Biophysics
Background:
- Motion artifacts are a significant challenge in Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging.
- These artifacts, including blurring and ghost images, can compromise diagnostic accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of motion on two-dimensional Fourier transformation MR images.
- To evaluate methods for mitigating motion artifacts in MR imaging.
Main Methods:
- Utilized phantoms, animal models (canine), and human volunteers.
- Acquired MR images using a 0.30-Tesla superconducting magnet with spin echo pulse sequences.
- Simulated respiratory motion and employed respiratory/cardiac gating techniques.
Main Results:
- Motion introduced image blurring and ghost images (harmonics) in MR scans.
- Eliminating respiratory motion in canine subjects significantly improved image quality.
- Respiratory and cardiac gating enhanced volunteer MR images but increased acquisition time.
Conclusions:
- Motion is a critical factor affecting MR image quality.
- Acquiring all necessary data within a single breathhold is a promising strategy to improve MR image quality by minimizing motion artifacts.