Accelerated 2D Cartesian MRI with an 8‐channel local B₀ coil array combined with parallel imaging

Abstract

PurposeIn MRI, the magnetization of nuclear spins is spatially encoded with linear gradients and radiofrequency receivers sensitivity profiles to produce images, which inherently leads to a long scan time. Cartesian MRI, as widely adopted for clinical scans, can be accelerated with parallel imaging and rapid magnetic field modulation during signal readout. Here, by using an 8‐channel local coil array, the modulation scheme optimized for sampling efficiency is investigated to speed up 2D Cartesian scans.Theory and MethodsAn 8‐channel local coil array is made to carry sinusoidal currents during signal readout to accelerate 2D Cartesian scans. An MRI sampling theory based on reproducing kernel Hilbert space is exploited to visualize the efficiency of nonlinear encoding in arbitrary sampling duration. A field calibration method using current monitors for local coils and the ESPIRiT algorithm is proposed to facilitate image reconstruction. Image acceleration with various modulation field shapes, aliasing control, and distinct modulation frequencies are scrutinized to find an optimized modulation scheme. A safety evaluation is conducted. In vivo 2D Cartesian scans are accelerated by the local coils.ResultsFor 2D Cartesian MRI, the optimal modulation field by this local array converges to a nearly linear gradient field. With the field calibration technique, it accelerates the in vivo scans (i.e., proved safe) by threefold and eightfold free of visible artifacts, without and with SENSE, respectively.ConclusionThe nonlinear encoding analysis tool, the field calibration method, the safety evaluation procedures, and the in vivo reconstructed scans make significant steps to push MRI speed further with the local coil array.

Practical utilization of nonlinear spatial encoding: Fast field mapping and FRONSAC‐wave

“…Previous studies have analyzed optimization of the parameters more generally, such as the parameter estimation framework applied to wave, 24 the first reports of FRONSAC, 10 and similar concepts. 32 Based on this prior work, we adopted the suggested optimal wave parameters and studied the effect of FRONSAC amplitude and cycle numbers on FRONSAC-wave. The result showed an optimal range of FRONSAC cycle numbers for the current experimental setting, where maximum amplitude reflects the slew rate limit.…”