Technologies

This invention provides methods to improve image quality for magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) using anatomically tailored k-space sampling and a recessed elliptical view ordering scheme.

MRA is used to generate images for diagnosing vascular diseases. Conventional MRA employs elliptical-centric view ordering of the k-space. This standard view order concentrates the high signal k-space center at the beginning of a scan. However, if the k-space center is acquired during the rising edge of arterial enhancement, reduced arterial signal intensity and arterial ringing artifacts may result. On the other hand, delaying the acquisition of the k-space center too far into the scan produces a significant venous artifact.

Conventional MRA also uses sampling according to the Nyquist sampling theorem, which increases the acquisition time and make it difficult to image multiple stations using a single administration of a contrast agent.

The inventors have also developed and tested a variable k-space sampling method that minimizes imaging time by tailoring the acquisition according to the vascular anatomy of the station. The k-space sampling rate is reduced, which allows a substantial decrease in scan time and increases dose sharing between stations. With post-processing subtraction techniques, this method retains image resolution without causing artifacts.