title: SNR enhancement in radial SSFP imaging using partial k-space averaging.
abstract: The steady-state free precessing (SSFP) sequences, widely used in MRI today, acquire data only during a short fraction of the repetition time (TR). Thus, they exhibit a poor scan efficiency. In this paper, a novel approach to extending the acquisition window for a given TR without considerably modifying the basic sequence is explored for radial SSFP sequences. The additional data are primarily employed to increase the signal-to-noise ratio, rather than to improve the temporal resolution of the imaging. The approach is analyzed regarding its effect on the image SNR (signal to noise ratio) and the reconstruction algorithm. Results are presented for phantom experiments and cardiac functions studies. The gain in SNR is most notable in rapid imaging, since SNR enhancement for a constant repetition time may be used to compensate for the increase in noise resulting from angular undersampling.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Karlsruhe, 76128 Karlsruhe, Germany. Stefanie.Winkelmann@philips.com
authors.forename: Stefanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Winkelmann
authors.forename: Tobias
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Schaeffter
authors.forename: Holger
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Eggers
authors.forename: Olaf
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Doessel
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D016477:Artifacts; D001185:Artificial Intelligence; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval / Q000379:methods; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D009716:Numerical Analysis, Computer-Assisted; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D018401:Sample Size; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D014741:Video Recording / Q000379:methods*