Robust Outer Volume Subtraction with Deep Learning Ghosting Detection for Highly-Accelerated Real-Time Dynamic MRI

Merve Gülle, Mehmet Akçakaya

Abstract: Real-time dynamic MRI is important for visualizing time-varying processes in several applications, including cardiac imaging, where it enables free-breathing images of the beating heart without ECG gating. However, current real-time MRI techniques commonly face challenges in achieving the required spatio-temporal resolutions due to limited acceleration rates. In this study, we propose a deep learning (DL) technique for improving the estimation of stationary outer-volume signal from shifted time-interleaved undersampling patterns. Our approach utilizes the pseudo-periodic nature of the ghosting artifacts arising from the moving organs. Subsequently, this estimated outer-volume signal is subtracted from individual timeframes of the real-time MR time series, and each timeframe is reconstructed individually using physics-driven DL methods. Results show improved image quality at high acceleration rates, where conventional methods fail.