title: The effects of incomplete breath-holding on 3D MR image quality.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate how fast three-dimensional (3D) MR image quality is affected by breath-holding and to develop an optimal breath-holding strategy that minimizes artifact in the event of an incomplete breath-hold. A computer model was developed to study variable-duration breath-holds during fast 3D imaging. Modeling was validated by 3D gradient-echo imaging performed on 10 volunteers. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and image blur were measured for both simulated and clinical images. Insights gained were applied to clinical 3D gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography. Breath-holding significantly improved abdominal 3D MR image quality. Most of this benefit could be achieved with a breath-hold fraction of 50% if it occurred during acquisition of central k space. Breath-holding during peripheral k-space acquisition, however, had no significant benefit. Respiratory motion artifact on fast 3D MRI occurring when a patient fails to suspend respiration for the entire scan duration can be minimized by collecting central k space first (centric acquisition) so that premature breathing affects only the acquisition of peripheral k space.
authors.affiliation: University of Michigan, Department of Radiology, University Hospital, Ann Arbor 48109-0030, USA.
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Maki
authors.forename: T L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Chenevert
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Prince
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016477:Artifacts; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D005682:Gadolinium; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D012119:Respiration / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D005682:Gadolinium