Two-dimensional compressed sensing using the cross-sampling approach for low-field MRI systems

MRI at low field: A review of software solutions for improving SNR

Low magnetic field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (B 0 $$ {B}_0 $$  < 1 T) is regaining interest in the magnetic resonance (MR) community as a complementary, more flexible, and cost-effective approach to MRI diagnosis. Yet, the impaired signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) per square root of time, or SNR efficiency, leading in turn to prolonged acquisition times, still challenges its relevance at the clinical level. To address this, researchers investigate various hardware and software solutions to improve SNR efficiency at low field, including the leveraging of latest advances in computing hardware. However, there may not be a single recipe for improving SNR at low field, and it is key to embrace the challenges and limitations of each proposed solution. In other words, suitable solutions depend on the final objective or application envisioned for a low-field scanner and, more importantly, on the characteristics of a specific lowB 0 $$ {B}_0 $$ field. In this review, we aim to provide an overview on software solutions to improve SNR efficiency at low field. First, we cover techniques for efficient k-space sampling and reconstruction. Then, we present post-acquisition techniques that enhance MR images such as denoising and super-resolution. In addition, we summarize recently introduced electromagnetic interference cancellation approaches showing great promises when operating in shielding-free environments. Finally, we discuss the advantages and limitations of these approaches that could provide directions for future applications.

Optimal MRI undersampling patterns for ultimate benefit of medical vision tasks

Compressed sensing is commonly concerned with optimizing the image quality after a partial undersampling of the measurable k-space to accelerate MRI. In this article, we propose to change the focus from the quality of the reconstructed image to the quality of the downstream image analysis outcome. Specifically, we propose to optimize the patterns according to how well a sought-after pathology could be detected or localized in the reconstructed images. We find the optimal undersampling patterns in k-space that maximize target value functions of interest in commonplace medical vision problems (reconstruction, segmentation, and classification) and propose a new iterative gradient sampling routine universally suitable for these tasks. We validate the proposed MRI acceleration paradigm on three classical medical datasets, demonstrating a noticeable improvement of the target metrics at the high acceleration factors (for the segmentation problem at ×16 acceleration, we report up to 12% improvement in Dice score over the other undersampling patterns).

A fast field-cycling MRI relaxometer for physical contrasts design and pre-clinical studies in small animals

We present a fast field-cycling NMR relaxometer with added magnetic resonance imaging capabilities. The instrument operates at a maximum proton Larmor frequency of 5 MHz for a sample volume of 35 mL. The magnetic field homogeneity across the sample is 1400 ppm. The main field is generated with a notch-coil electromagnet of own design, fed with a current whose stability is 220 ppm. We show that images of reasonable quality can still be produced under such conditions. The machine is being designed for concept testing of the involved instrumentation and specific contrast agents aimed for field-cycling magnetic resonance imaging applications. The general performance of the prototype was tested through localized relaxometry experiments, T₁-dispersion weighted images, temperature maps and T₁-weighted images at different magnetic field intensities. We introduce the concept of positive and negative contrast depending on the use of pre-polarized or non-polarized sequences. The system is being improved for pre-clinical studies in small animals.

Analysis of generalized rosette trajectory for compressed sensing MRI

PURPOSE

The application of compressed sensing (CS) technology in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is to accelerate the MRI scan speed by incoherent undersampling of k-space data and nonlinear iterative reconstruction of MRI images. This paper generalizes the existing rosette trajectories to configure the sampling patterns for undersampled k-space data acquisition in MRI scans. The arch and curvature characteristics of the generalized rosette trajectories are analyzed to explore their feasibility and advantages for CS reconstruction of MRI images.

METHODS

Two key properties crucial to the CS MRI application, the scan speed and sampling incoherence of the generalized rosette trajectories, are analyzed. The analysis on the scan speed of generalized rosette trajectories is based on the transversal time derived from the curvature of the trajectories, and the sampling incoherence is based on the evaluation of the point spread function for the measurement matrix. The results of analysis are supported by extensive simulations where the performances of rosette, spiral, and radial sampling patterns at different acceleration factors are compared.

RESULTS

It is shown that compared with spiral trajectories, the arch and curvature characteristics of the generalized rosette trajectories are more feasible to meet the physical requirements of undersampled k-space data acquisition in terms of time shortness and scan area. It is further shown that the sampling pattern of the rosette trajectory has higher incoherence than that of the other trajectories and can thus achieve higher reconstruction performance. Reconstruction performances illustrate that the rosette trajectory can achieve about 10% higher peak signal-to-noise ratio than radial and spiral trajectories under the high acceleration factor R = 10.

CONCLUSIONS

The generalized rosette trajectories can be a desirable candidate for CS reconstruction of MRI.