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Improved MR phase‐contrast velocimetry using a novel nine‐point balanced motion‐encoding scheme with increased robustness to eddy current effects
Author(s) -
Espe Emil K. S.,
Aronsen Jan Magnus,
Skrbic Biljana,
Skulberg Vidar Magne,
Schneider Jürgen E.,
Sejersted Ole M.,
Zhang Lili,
Sjaastad Ivar
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
magnetic resonance in medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.696
H-Index - 225
eISSN - 1522-2594
pISSN - 0740-3194
DOI - 10.1002/mrm.24226
Subject(s) - robustness (evolution) , imaging phantom , sensitivity (control systems) , velocimetry , computer science , temporal resolution , encoding (memory) , physics , biomedical engineering , nuclear magnetic resonance , artificial intelligence , optics , chemistry , electronic engineering , medicine , biochemistry , gene , engineering
Phase‐contrast MRI (PC‐MRI) velocimetry is a noninvasive, high‐resolution motion assessment tool. However, high motion sensitivity requires strong motion‐encoding magnetic gradients, making phase‐contrast‐MRI prone to baseline shift artifacts due to the generation of eddy currents. In this study, we propose a novel nine‐point balanced velocity‐encoding strategy, designed to be more accurate in the presence of strong and rapidly changing gradients. The proposed method was validated using a rotating phantom, and its robustness and precision were explored and compared with established approaches through computer simulations and in vivo experiments. Computer simulations yielded a 39–57% improvement in velocity–noise ratio (corresponding to a 27–33% reduction in measurement error), depending on which method was used for comparison. Moreover, in vivo experiments confirmed this by demonstrating a 26–53% reduction in accumulated velocity error over the R–R interval. The nine‐point balanced phase‐contrast‐MRI‐encoding strategy is likely useful for settings where high spatial and temporal resolution and/or high motion sensitivity is required, such as in high‐resolution rodent myocardial tissue phase mapping. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.