Radial Fast Low-angle Shot Research Articles

Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging in two minutes: cross-sectional real-time coverage of multiple volumes.

This work describes a novel technique for rapid and motion-robust whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The method employs highly undersampled radial fast low angle shot (FLASH) sequences to cover large volumes by cross-sectional real-time MRI with automatic slice advancement after each frame. The slice shift typically amounts to a fraction of the slice thickness (e.g., 10% to 50%) in order to generate a successive series of partially overlapping sections. Joint reconstructions of these serial images and their respective coil sensitivity maps rely on nonlinear inversion (NLINV) with regularization to the image and sensitivity maps of a preceding frame. The procedure exploits the spatial similarity of neighboring sections. Whole-body scanning is accomplished by measuring multiple volumes at predefined locations, i.e., at fixed table positions, in combination with intermediate automatic movements of the patient table. Individual volumes may take advantage of different field-of-views, image orientations, spatial and temporal resolutions as well as contrasts. Preliminary proof-of-principle applications to healthy subjects at 3 T without cardiac gating and during free breathing yield high-quality anatomic images with acquisition times of less than 100 ms. Spin-density and T1 contrasts are obtained by spoiled FLASH sequences, while T2-type (i.e., T2/T1) contrast results from refocused FLASH sequences that generate a steady state free precession (SSFP) free induction decay (FID) signal. Total measuring times excluding vendor-controlled adjustment procedures are less than two minutes for a 100 cm scan that, for example, covers the body from head to thigh by three optimized volumes and more than 1,300 images. In conclusion, after demonstrating technical feasibility the proposed method awaits clinical trials.

Free-breathing myocardial T1 mapping using inversion-recovery radial FLASH and motion-resolved model-based reconstruction.

To develop a free-breathing myocardial mapping technique using inversion-recovery (IR) radial fast low-angle shot (FLASH) and calibrationless motion-resolved model-based reconstruction. Free-running (free-breathing, retrospective cardiac gating) IR radial FLASH is used for data acquisition at 3T. First, to reduce the waiting time between inversions, an analytical formula is derived that takes the incomplete recovery into account for an accurate calculation. Second, the respiratory motion signal is estimated from the k-space center of the contrast varying acquisition using an adapted singular spectrum analysis (SSA-FARY) technique. Third, a motion-resolved model-based reconstruction is used to estimate both parameter and coil sensitivity maps directly from the sorted k-space data. Thus, spatiotemporal total variation, in addition to the spatial sparsity constraints, can be directly applied to the parameter maps. Validations are performed on an experimental phantom, 11 human subjects, and a young landrace pig with myocardial infarction. In comparison to an IR spin-echo reference, phantom results confirm good accuracy, when reducing the waiting time from 5 s to 1 s using the new correction. The motion-resolved model-based reconstruction further improves precision compared to the spatial regularization-only reconstruction. Aside from showing that a reliable respiratory motion signal can be estimated using modified SSA-FARY, in vivo studies demonstrate that dynamic myocardial maps can be obtained within 2 min with good precision and repeatability. Motion-resolved myocardial mapping during free-breathing with good accuracy, precision and repeatability can be achieved by combining inversion-recovery radial FLASH, self-gating and a calibrationless motion-resolved model-based reconstruction.

Assessment of esophagogastric junction morphology by dynamic real-time MRI: comparison of imaging features to high-resolution manometry

PurposeTo assess the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) on real-time MRI and compare imaging parameters to EGJ morphology on high-resolution manometry (HRM).MethodsA total of 105 of 117 eligible patients who underwent real-time MRI and high-resolution manometry for GERD-like symptoms between 2015 and 2018 at a single center were retrospectively evaluated (male n = 57; female n = 48; mean age 52.5 ± 15.4 years). Real-time MRI was performed at a median investigation time of 15 min (1 frame/40 ms). On HRM, EGJ morphology was assessed according to the Chicago classification of esophageal motility disorders. Real-time MRI was performed at 3 T using highly undersampled radial fast low-angle shot acquisitions with NLINV image reconstruction. A 10 mL pineapple juice bolus served as oral contrast agent at supine position. Real-time MRI films of the EGJ were acquired during swallowing events and during Valsalva maneuver. Anatomic and functional MRI parameters were compared to EGJ morphology on HRM.ResultsOn HRM, n = 42 patients presented with EGJ type I (40.0%), n = 33 with EGJ type II (31.4%), and n = 30 with EGJ type III (28.6%). On real-time MRI, hiatal hernia was more common in patients with EGJ type III (66.7%) than in patients with EGJ type I (26.2%) and EGJ type II (30.3%; p < 0.001). Sliding hiatal hernia was more frequent in patients with EGJ type II (33.3%) than in patients with EGJ type III (16.7%) and EGJ type I (7.1%; p = 0.017). The mean esophagus–fundus angle of patients was 85 ± 31° at rest and increased to 101 ± 36° during Valsalva maneuver.ConclusionReal-time MRI is a non-invasive imaging method for assessment of the esophagogastric junction. Real-time MRI can visualize dynamic changes of the EGJ during swallowing events.

Model-based reconstruction for simultaneous multi-slice mapping using single-shot inversion-recovery radial FLASH.

To develop a single-shot multi-slice mapping method by combing simultaneous multi-slice (SMS) excitations, single-shot inversion-recovery (IR) radial fast low-angle shot (FLASH), and a nonlinear model-based reconstruction method. SMS excitations are combined with a single-shot IR radial FLASH sequence for data acquisition. A previously developed single-slice calibrationless model-based reconstruction is extended to SMS, formulating the estimation of parameter maps and coil sensitivities from all slices as a single nonlinear inverse problem. Joint-sparsity constraints are further applied to the parameter maps to improve precision. Validations of the proposed method are performed for a phantom and for the human brain and liver in 6 healthy adult subjects. Phantom results confirm good accuracy and precision of the simultaneously acquired multi-slice maps in comparison to single-slice references. In vivo human brain studies demonstrate the better performance of SMS acquisitions compared to the conventional spoke-interleaved multi-slice acquisition using model-based reconstruction. Aside from good accuracy and precision, the results of 6 healthy subjects in both brain and abdominal studies confirm good repeatability between scan and re-scans. The proposed method can simultaneously acquire maps for 5 slices of a human brain ( ) or 3 slices of the abdomen ( ) within 4 seconds. The IR SMS radial FLASH acquisition together with a nonlinear model-based reconstruction enable rapid high-resolution multi-slice mapping with good accuracy, precision, and repeatability.

Accurate, precise, simultaneous myocardial T1 and T2 mapping using a radial sequence with inversion recovery and T2 preparation.

We propose a simultaneous myocardial T1 and T2 mapping technique using a radial sequence with inversion recovery and T2 preparation, which achieves high accuracy and precision, with T1 and T2 reproducibility similar to the Modified Look-Locker Inversion recovery (MOLLI) sequence and the conventional bright blood T2 mapping technique, respectively. The sequence was developed by incorporating gold angle radial fast low angle shot (FLASH) readout combined with an inversion pulse and T2prep pulses. The extended Bloch equation simulation with slice profile correction (BLESSPC) algorithm was proposed to reconstruct T1 and T2 maps at the same time in a few seconds, while maintaining good T1 and T2 estimation accuracy. Accuracy and precision were compared among the proposed technique, MOLLI and conventional T2 mapping techniques using phantom studies, 10 healthy volunteers and three patients. In phantom studies, the proposed technique was more accurate than MOLLI (P<0.05) while achieving similar precision (P=0.3) in T1 estimation, and was more accurate (P<0.05) and precise (P<0.001) than conventional T2 mapping (two-parameter fitting) in T2 estimation. In vivo, the proposed technique achieved significantly higher T1 values (P<0.001) and similar reproducibility (P=0.3) compared with MOLLI, with significantly lower T2 values (P<0.001) and similar reproducibility (P=0.6) compared with the conventional T2 mapping technique. Thus, the proposed radial T1-T2 mapping technique allows for accurate, precise, simultaneous myocardial T1 and T2 mapping in an 11-heartbeat single breath-hold acquisition.

Real-time MRI for the dynamic assessment of fundoplication failure in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

To assess the diagnostic potential of dynamic real-time MRI for fundoplication failure in patients with persistent or recurrent GERD-like (gastroesophageal reflux disease) complaints. Twenty-two consecutive patients (male n = 11; female n = 11; median age 59years) with recurrent or persistent GERD-like symptom after fundoplication were enrolled between 2015 and 2017. Median duration of GERD-like symptoms was 21months. Real-time MRI (3 Tesla) was performed at 40ms temporal resolution using undersampled radial fast low-angle shot acquisitions with nonlinear inverse image reconstruction. MRI movies dynamically visualized bolus transit of pineapple juice through the gastroesophageal junction, position of the fundoplication wrap and recurring hernia or reflux during Valsalva maneuver. MRI results were compared to endoscopic findings. Real-time MRI was successfully completed in all patients without adverse events (average examination time 15min). Morphological correlates for GERD-like symptoms were evident in 20 patients (90.1%) with gastric reflux in 19 cases. Nine patients (40.1%) had wrap disruption and recurrent gastric hernia. Wrap migration or telescoping hernia was detected in nine patients (40.1%). One patient presented with continued reflux despite intact fundoplication wrap. Esophageal dysmotility with delayed bolus passage was observed in one case. On endoscopy, gastric hernia or wrap disruption was diagnosed in seven cases, and esophagitis or Barret's metaplasia in nine cases. Real-time MRI is a fast and safe modality for dynamic imaging after fundoplication, without radiation exposure or administration of gadolinium-based contrast media. In a relevant number of cases, real-time MRI reveals correlates for GERD-like symptoms. • Real-time MRI reliably visualizes the gastroesophageal junction after fundoplication surgery. • Patients with recurring GERD-like symptoms have a high rate of morphological failure patterns that can be identified by real-time MRI. • Dynamic assessment of gastroesophageal junction by real-time MRI is a perspective diagnostic tool for detection of fundoplication failure.

Model-based myocardial T1 mapping with sparsity constraints using single-shot inversion-recovery radial FLASH cardiovascular magnetic resonance

BackgroundThis study develops a model-based myocardial T1 mapping technique with sparsity constraints which employs a single-shot inversion-recovery (IR) radial fast low angle shot (FLASH) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) acquisition. The method should offer high resolution, accuracy, precision and reproducibility.MethodsThe proposed reconstruction estimates myocardial parameter maps directly from undersampled k-space which is continuously measured by IR radial FLASH with a 4 s breathhold and retrospectively sorted based on a cardiac trigger signal. Joint sparsity constraints are imposed on the parameter maps to further improve T1 precision. Validations involved studies of an experimental phantom and 8 healthy adult subjects.ResultsIn comparison to an IR spin-echo reference method, phantom experiments with T1 values ranging from 300 to 1500 ms revealed good accuracy and precision at simulated heart rates between 40 and 100 bpm. In vivo T1 maps achieved better precision and qualitatively better preservation of image features for the proposed method than a real-time CMR approach followed by pixelwise fitting. Apart from good inter-observer reproducibility (0.6% of the mean), in vivo results confirmed good intra-subject reproducibility (1.05% of the mean for intra-scan and 1.17, 1.51% of the means for the two inter-scans, respectively) of the proposed method.ConclusionModel-based reconstructions with sparsity constraints allow for single-shot myocardial T1 maps with high spatial resolution, accuracy, precision and reproducibility within a 4 s breathhold. Clinical trials are warranted.

Intra- and interobserver variability in the diagnosis of GERD by real-time MRI

The purpose of this study was to assess the reproducibility of functional and anatomical parameters of swallowing events as determined by real-time MRI at 40 ms temporal resolution (25 frames per second). Twenty-three consecutive patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) underwent real-time MRI of the gastroesophageal junction at 3.0 T. Real-time MRI was based on highly undersampled radial fast low angle shot (FLASH) acquisitions with iterative image reconstruction by regularized nonlinear inversion (NLINV). MRI movies visualized the esophageal transport of a pineapple juice bolus, its passage through the gastroesophageal junction and functional responses during a Valsalva maneuver. His-angle, sphincter position, sphincter length and sphincter transit time were assessed by two radiologists. Interobserver and intraobserver intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were evaluated and Bland-Altman plots were constructed to assess the observer agreement. Interobserver agreement was excellent for sphincter transit time (ICC = 0.92), His-angle (ICC = 0.93), His-angle during Valsalva maneuver (ICC = 0.91) and sphincter-to-diaphragm distance (ICC = 0.98). Sphincter length and oesophageal diameter showed good interobserver agreement (ICC = 0.62 and ICC = 0.70). Intraobserver agreement was good for sphincter length (ICC = 0.80) and excellent for sphincter transit time, His-angle and His-angle during Valsalva maneuver, sphincter-to-diaphragm distance, and esophageal diameter (ICC = 0.91; ICC = 0.97; ICC = 0.97; ICC = 0.998; ICC = 0.93). All functional parameters of the gastroesophageal junction had good to excellent reproducibility. Visual assessment of Bland Altman plots did not reveal any systematic interobserver bias. In conclusion, the visualization of swallowing events by real-time MRI has a high potential for clinical application in gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Real-time MRI of the temporomandibular joint at 15 frames per second—A feasibility study

The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a novel method for real-time MRI of TMJ function at high temporal resolution and with two different contrasts. Real-time MRI was based on undersampled radial fast low angle shot (FLASH) acquisitions with iterative image reconstruction by regularized nonlinear inversion. Real-time MRI movies with T1 contrast were obtained with use of a radiofrequency-spoiled FLASH sequence, while movies with T2/T1 contrast employed a gradient-refocused FLASH version. TMJ function was characterized in 40 randomly selected volunteers by sequential 20s acquisitions of both the right and left joint during voluntary opening and closing of the mouth (in a medial, central and lateral oblique sagittal section perpendicular to the long axis of the condylar head). All studies were performed on a commercial MRI system at 3T using the standard head coil, while online reconstruction was achieved with a bypass computer fully integrated into the MRI system. As a first result, real-time MRI studies of the right and left TMJ were successfully performed in all 40 subjects (80 joints) within a total examination time per subject of only 15min. Secondly, at an in-plane resolution of 0.75mm and 5mm section thickness, the achieved temporal resolution was 66.7ms per image or 15 frames per second. Thirdly, both T1-weighted and T2/T1-weighted real-time MRI movies provided information about TMJ function such as disc position, condyle mobility and disc-condyle relationship. While T1 contrast offers a better delineation of structures during rapid jaw movements, T2/T1 contrast was rated superior for characterizing the articular disc. In conclusion, the proposed real-time MRI method may become a robust and efficient tool for the clinical assessment of TMJ function.

Real-time MRI of swallowing: intraoral pressure reduction supports larynx elevation.

The reduction in intraoral pressure during swallowing has previously been linked to bolus transport, although no such relation has yet been proven. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the time course of intraoral pressure during swallowing using simultaneous real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and dynamic pressure recordings. Real-time MRI based on highly undersampled radial fast low-angle shot (FLASH) and regularized nonlinear inverse reconstruction was performed at 3 T using a standard head coil and a mid-sagittal section covering the entire oral cavity. Voluntary swallowing (10 mL of pineapple juice or saliva) was monitored for about 30 s in 11 normal subjects at spatial and temporal resolution of 1.3 × 1.3 × 8 mm3 and 40 ms, respectively. Simultaneously, the intraoral atmospheric pressure was recorded at a resolution of 10 ms during the entire course of deglutition. Quantitative measures of bolus transport, larynx elevation and submental muscle changes were obtained from the image series. As a key result, negative intraoral pressure accompanied laryngeal elevation during swallowing in all subjects. A reduction in submental muscle length during swallowing was also observed. No correlations of maximum negative pressure with larynx elevation and submental muscle change were found. In conclusion, intraoral pressure reduction during swallowing is not connected to oral bolus transport, but supports laryngeal elevation by palatal fixation of the tongue.

Peak flow velocities in the ascending aorta-real-time phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging vs. cine magnetic resonance imaging and echocardiography.

This prospective study of eight healthy volunteers evaluates peak flow velocities (PFV) in the ascending aorta using real-time phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in comparison to cine phase-contrast MRI and echocardiography. Flow measurements by echocardiography and cine phase-contrast MRI with breath-holding were performed according to clinical standards. Real-time phase-contrast MRI at 40 ms temporal resolution and 1.3 mm in-plane resolution was based on highly undersampled radial fast low-angle shot (FLASH) sequences with image reconstruction by regularized nonlinear inversion (NLINV). Evaluations focused on the determination of PFV. Linear regressions and Bland-Altman plots were used for comparisons of methods. When averaged across subjects, real-time phase-contrast MRI resulted in PFV of 120±20 cm s(-1) (mean ± SD) in comparison to 122±16 cm s(-1) for cine MRI and 124±20 cm s(-1) for echocardiography. The maximum deviations between real-time phase-contrast MRI and echocardiography ranged from -20 to +14 cm s(-1) (cine MRI: -10 to +12 cm s(-1)). Thus, in general, real-time phase-contrast MRI of cardiac outflow revealed quantitative agreement with cine MRI and echocardiography. The advantages of real-time MRI are measurements during free breathing and access to individual cardiac cycles.

Spoiling without additional gradients: Radial FLASH MRI with randomized radiofrequency phases.

To develop a method for spoiling transverse magnetizations without additional gradients to minimize repetition times for radial fast low angle shot (FLASH) MRI. Residual steady state transverse magnetizations and corresponding image artifacts were analyzed for radial gradient echo sequences with constant and randomized RF phases in comparison with a sequence with refocused frequency-encoding gradients, constant spoiler gradient, and conventional RF spoiling (gold standard). The spoiling performance was assessed for different radial trajectories using numerical simulations, phantom experiments, and in vivo MRI studies of the human brain. Simulations as well as phantom and in vivo measurements reveal a highly efficient spoiling capacity for randomized RF phases and radial FLASH sequences without the need for gradient rewinding and spoiler gradients. The data also demonstrate a strong dependence of the spoiling performance on the chosen radial trajectory (ie, the azimuthal angular increment between successive projections) with excellent results for an interleaved multiturn scheme. Effective spoiling of transverse magnetizations in radial FLASH MRI may be achieved by randomized RF phases without additional spoiler gradients. The technique allows for short repetition times as required for high-speed real-time MRI.

High-speed real-time magnetic resonance imaging of fast tongue movements in elite horn players.

This paper describes the use of high-speed real-time (RT) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in quantifying very rapid motor function within the oropharyngeal cavity of six elite horn players. Based on simultaneous sound recordings, the efficacy of RT-MRI films at 30 and 100 frames per second (fps) was assessed for tongue movements associated with double tonguing performance. Serial images with a nominal temporal resolution of 10.0 and 33.3 ms were obtained by highly undersampled radial fast low-angle shot (FLASH) sequences (5 and 17 spokes, respectively) using complementary sets of spokes for successive acquisitions (extending over 9 and 5 frames, respectively). Reconstructions of high-speed images were obtained by temporally regularized nonlinear inversion (NLINV) as previously described. A customized MATLAB toolkit was developed for the extraction of line profiles from MRI films to quantify temporal phenomena associated with task performance. The analyses reveal that for the present setting, which required the use of a temporal median filter to optimize image quality, acquisition rates of 30 fps are inadequate to accurately detect tongue movements during double tonguing, but that rates of 100 fps do allow for a precise quantification of movement. These data for the first time demonstrate the extreme performance of elite horn players. High-speed RT-MRI offers so far unavailable opportunities to study the oropharyngeal movements during brass playing with future potential for teaching and the treatment of patients suffering from dystonia.

Real-time phase-contrast flow MRI of haemodynamic changes in the ascending aorta and superior vena cava during Mueller manoeuvre

To evaluate the potential of real-time phase-contrast flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 40 ms resolution for the simultaneous determination of blood flow in the ascending aorta (AA) and superior vena cava (SVC) in response to reduced intrathoracic pressure (Mueller manoeuvre). Through-plane flow was assessed in 20 healthy young subjects using real-time phase-contrast MRI based on highly undersampled radial fast low-angle shot (FLASH) with image reconstruction by regularized non-linear inversion. Haemodynamic alterations (three repetitions per subject = 60 events) were evaluated during normal breathing (10 s), inhalation with nearly closed epiglottis (10 s), and recovery (20 s). Relative to normal breathing and despite interindividual differences, reduced intrathoracic pressure by at least 30 mmHg significantly decreased the initial peak mean velocity (averaged across the lumen) in the AA by -24 ± 9% and increased the velocity in the SVC by +28 ± 25% (p < 0.0001, n = 23 successful events). Respective changes in flow volume per heartbeat were -25 ± 9% in the AA and +49 ± 44% in the SVC (p < 0.0001, n = 23). Flow parameters returned to baseline during sustained pressure reduction, while the heart rate was elevated by 10% (p < 0.0001) after the start (n = 24) and end (n = 17) of the manoeuvre. Real-time flow MRI during low intrathoracic pressure non-invasively revealed quantitative haemodynamic adjustments in both the AA and SVC.

Pulse wave velocity in real-time cardiac magnetic resonance

Background Atherosclerosis and its associated diseases are constantly increasing in developed countries. Aortic stiffness is an indicator for atherosclerosis and is associated with mortality and morbidity especially in aortic abdominal aneurysms. For further evaluation of aortic stiffness, we examined n = 13 healthy volunteers using real-time magnetic-resonance imaging (RT-MRI) with highly undersampled radial fast low-angle shot (FLASH) acquisitions, phase-sensitive image reconstructions and regularized nonlinear inversion (NLINV). We hypothesized that RT-MRI is able to determine pulse wave velocity (PWV) and flow data using just one transverse view of the ascending and descending aorta. This method could be superior to complex known MRI methods using velocity projection today. Methods We assessed PWV as surrogate parameter for aortic stiffness by velocity-encoded RT-MRI. Time lag between the ascending and descending aortic pulse wave was calculated and divided by the mean length of the aortic arch for each individual in detail. RT-MRI can determine PWV during normal breathing, physical strain and recovery from strain using the Valsalva (VM) and Mueller maneuvers (MM). During strain/maneuvers volunteers had visual feedback of intra-thoracic pressure via a mouthpiece to ensure adequate strain performance. We calculated PWV in normal breathing, at the end of strain and at the end of the recovery phase. Due to the advantage of a single heart beat-to-beat variability with

Real‐time flow MRI of the aorta at a resolution of 40 msec

To evaluate a novel real-time phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique for the assessment of through-plane flow in the ascending aorta. Real-time MRI was based on a radial fast low-angle shot (FLASH) sequence with about 30-fold undersampling and image reconstruction by regularized nonlinear inversion. Phase-contrast maps were obtained from two (interleaved or sequential) acquisitions with and without a bipolar velocity-encoding gradient. Blood flow in the ascending aorta was studied in 10 healthy volunteers at 3 T by both real-time MRI (15 sec during free breathing) and electrocardiogram (ECG)-synchronized cine MRI (with and without breath holding). Flow velocities and stroke volumes were evaluated using standard postprocessing software. The total acquisition time for a pair of phase-contrast images was 40.0 msec (TR/TE = 2.86/1.93 msec, 10° flip angle, 7 spokes per image) for a nominal in-plane resolution of 1.3 mm and a section thickness of 6 mm. Quantitative evaluations of spatially averaged flow velocities and stroke volumes were comparable for real-time and cine methods when real-time MRI data were averaged across heartbeats. For individual heartbeats real-time phase-contrast MRI resulted in higher peak velocities for values above 120 cm s(-1). Real-time phase-contrast MRI of blood flow in the human aorta yields functional parameters for individual heartbeats. When averaged across heartbeats real-time flow velocities and stroke volumes are comparable to values obtained by conventional cine MRI.

A slice‐to‐volume registration method based on real‐time magnetic resonance imaging for measuring three‐dimensional kinematics of the knee

This study developed and assessed a slice-to-volume registration method that integrated three-dimensional (3D) static MRI volumes of the bones with a novel single-slice, real-time radial fast low-angle shot MRI for measuring the 3D kinematics of the knee. Multislice 3D images (for establishing bone models) and 2D real-time images of the knee at five static positions, and 2D real-time images of the knee during flexion/extension were acquired from three healthy adults. The 3D bone poses, and thus the 3D kinematics of the knee, were obtained by registering the real-time images to a reformed slice interpolated from the bone models according to the WEMS similarity measure. The ensemble means (biases) and standard deviations (precisions) of the measurement errors of the proposed measurement method, i.e., differences between the 3D images and the registered poses, were calculated across all the static trials of all subjects. Ensemble standard deviations of all the repeated registrations for the dynamic data of all subjects were obtained to indicate the repeatability of the registration method. The ensemble means (standard deviations) of the measurement errors of the femoral poses were less than 0.6 (0.6) mm for translations and -0.2° (1.3°) degrees for rotations. The corresponding values for the tibia were 0.5 (0.7) mm and -0.4° (1.1°), respectively. The ensemble means (standard deviations) of the measurement errors of knee joint poses were less than 0.9 (1.4) mm for translations and -0.3° (1.8°) degrees for rotations. For registration repeatability of dynamic tests, the ensemble standard deviations were all less than 1.2 mm for translations and 1.5° for rotations. With the accuracy and repeatability achieved, and without the use of ionizing radiation and multiple repetitive motions, the proposed method combining the novel real-time MR imaging promises to be a valuable tool for studying 3D knee kinematics noninvasively.

Real-time cardiac phase contrast MRI blood flow including Valsalva and Mueller maneuver. Initial experiences

Background A high resolution real-time phase-contrast MRI flow technique was used to measure flow dynamics in the ascending aorta as well as superior vena cava. MRI technique based on undersampled radial fast low-angle shot acquisitions with phase-sensitive image reconstructions by regularized nonlinear inversion. Normal flow values as well as flow measurements during physiologic stress tests like Valsalva (increased intrathoracic pressure) and Mueller (decreased intrathoracic pressure, reverse of Valsalva maneuver) were obtained in healthy volunteers.

Real‐time phase‐contrast MRI of cardiovascular blood flow using undersampled radial fast low‐angle shot and nonlinear inverse reconstruction

Velocity-encoded phase-contrast MRI of cardiovascular blood flow commonly relies on electrocardiogram-synchronized cine acquisitions of multiple heartbeats to quantitatively determine the flow of an averaged cardiac cycle. Here, we present a new method for real-time phase-contrast MRI that combines flow-encoding gradients with highly undersampled radial fast low-angle shot acquisitions and phase-sensitive image reconstructions by regularized nonlinear inversion. Apart from calibration studies using steady and pulsatile flow, preliminary in vivo applications focused on through-plane flow in the ascending aorta of healthy subjects. With bipolar velocity-encoding gradients of alternating polarity that overlap the slice-refocusing gradient, the method yields flow-encoded images with an in-plane resolution of 1.8 mm, section thickness of 6 mm and measuring time at 3 T of 24 ms (TR/TE = 3.44/2.76 ms; flip angle, 10º; seven radial spokes per image). Accordingly, phase-contrast maps and corresponding velocity profiles achieve a temporal resolution of 48 ms. The evaluated peak velocities, stroke volumes, flow rates and respective variances over at least 20 consecutive heartbeats are in general agreement with literature data.

Spatially encoded phase‐contrast MRI—3D MRI movies of 1D and 2D structures at millisecond resolution

This work demonstrates that the principles underlying phase-contrast MRI may be used to encode spatial rather than flow information along a perpendicular dimension, if this dimension contains an MRI-visible object at only one spatial location. In particular, the situation applies to 3D mapping of curved 2D structures which requires only two projection images with different spatial phase-encoding gradients. These phase-contrast gradients define the field of view and mean spin-density positions of the object in the perpendicular dimension by respective phase differences. When combined with highly undersampled radial fast low angle shot (FLASH) and image reconstruction by regularized nonlinear inversion, spatial phase-contrast MRI allows for dynamic 3D mapping of 2D structures in real time. First examples include 3D MRI movies of the acting human hand at a temporal resolution of 50 ms. With an even simpler technique, 3D maps of curved 1D structures may be obtained from only three acquisitions of a frequency-encoded MRI signal with two perpendicular phase encodings. Here, 3D MRI movies of a rapidly rotating banana were obtained at 5 ms resolution or 200 frames per second. In conclusion, spatial phase-contrast 3D MRI of 2D or 1D structures is respective two or four orders of magnitude faster than conventional 3D MRI.