Methods and systems for magnetic resonance image reconstruction using an extended sensitivity model and a deep neural network

Abstract

Various methods and systems are provided for reconstructing magnetic resonance images from accelerated magnetic resonance imaging (MM) data. In one embodiment, a method for reconstructing a magnetic resonance (MR) image includes: estimating multiple sets of coil sensitivity maps from undersampled k-space data, the undersampled k-space data acquired by a multi-coil radio frequency (RF) receiver array; reconstructing multiple initial images using the undersampled k-space data and the estimated multiple sets of coil sensitivity maps; iteratively reconstructing, with a trained deep neural network, multiple images by using the initial images and the multiple sets of coil sensitivity maps to generate multiple final images, each of the multiple images corresponding to a different set of the multiple sets of sensitivity maps; and combining the multiple final images output from the trained deep neural network to generate the MR image.

Description

FIELD[0001]Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein relate to magnetic resonance imaging, and more particularly, to deep learning-based magnetic resonance image reconstruction with an extended coil sensitivity model.BACKGROUND[0002]Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging modality that can create images of the inside of a human body without using x-rays or other ionizing radiation. MRI uses a powerful magnet to create a strong, uniform, static magnetic field. When the human body, or part of the human body, is placed in the magnetic field, the nuclear spins associated with the hydrogen nuclei in tissue water become polarized, wherein the magnetic moments associated with these spins become preferentially aligned along the direction of the magnetic field, resulting in a small net tissue magnetization along that axis. MM systems also include gradient coils that produce smaller amplitude, spatially-varying magnetic fields with orthogonal axes to spatially encode th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method for reconstructing magnetic resonance (MR) images using a multi-coil RF receiver array. The method includes estimating sensitivity maps for the coils and reconstructing multiple initial images using the sensitivity maps and the acquired data. These initial images are then iteratively combined using a trained deep neural network to generate the final images, which reduce imaging artifacts and also reduce computational effort and scan times. The method can improve the quality of reconstructed MRIs and make them more reliable for medical applications.

Problems solved by technology

The MM acquisition process may be slow due to the large volume of data collected.

Undersampling, or collecting less k-space data, may decrease scan times; however, this may result in aliasing artifacts that may obscure relevant anatomy.

Images