Optimization of 3D dynamic speech MRI: Poisson-disc undersampling and locally higher-rank reconstruction through partial separability model with regional optimized temporal basis.

purposeTo improve the spatiotemporal qualities of images and dynamics of speech MRI through an improved data sampling and image reconstruction approach.

methodsFor data acquisition, we used a Poisson-disc random under sampling scheme that reduced the undersampling coherence. For image reconstruction, we proposed a novel locally higher-rank partial separability model. This reconstruction model represented the oral and static regions using separate low-rank subspaces, therefore, preserving their distinct temporal signal characteristics. Regional optimized temporal basis was determined from the regional-optimized virtual coil approach. Overall, we achieved a better spatiotemporal image reconstruction quality with the potential of reducing total acquisition time by 50%.

resultsThe proposed method was demonstrated through several 2-mm isotropic, 64 mm total thickness, dynamic acquisitions with 40 frames per second and compared to the previous approach using a global subspace model along with other k-space sampling patterns. Individual timeframe images and temporal profiles of speech samples were shown to illustrate the ability of the Poisson-disc under sampling pattern in reducing total acquisition time. Temporal information of sagittal and coronal directions was also shown to illustrate the effectiveness of the locally higher-rank operator and regional optimized temporal basis. To compare the reconstruction qualities of different regions, voxel-wise temporal SNR analysis were performed.

conclusionPoisson-disc sampling combined with a locally higher-rank model and a regional-optimized temporal basis can drastically improve the spatiotemporal image quality and provide a 50% reduction in overall acquisition time.