Abstract: A method for phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI) acquires undersampled PC-MRI data using a magnetic resonance imaging scanner and reconstructs MRI images from the undersampled PC-MRI data by reconstructing a first flow-encoded image using a first convolutional neural network, reconstructing a complex difference image using a second convolutional neural network, combining the complex difference image and the first flow-encoded image to obtain a second flow-encoded image, and generating a velocity encoded image from the first flow-encoded image and second flow-encoded image using phase difference processing.

Abstract: A method for phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI) acquires undersampled PC-MRI data using a magnetic resonance imaging scanner and reconstructs MRI images from the undersampled PC-MRI data by reconstructing a first flow-encoded image using a first convolutional neural network, reconstructing a complex difference image using a second convolutional neural network, combining the complex difference image and the first flow-encoded image to obtain a second flow-encoded image, and generating a velocity encoded image from the first flow-encoded image and second flow-encoded image using phase difference processing.

Abstract: A method for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tag tracking includes: synthetically generating tagged data from natural images combined with programmed tag motion and a full Bloch simulation; training a convolutional neural network (CNN) with the synthetically generated tagged data to generate grid tag motion paths; acquiring MRI images using a tagged imaging method; inputting the acquired images into the CNN to estimate motion paths of tracked points; and determining from the estimated motion paths a path of tag lines through the cardiac cycle from a set of tagged MRI images. The method can calculate strain curves from the estimated motion paths using Ecc derivation.

Abstract: A system and method for optimized diffusion-weighted imaging is provided. In one aspect, the method includes providing a plurality of constraints for imaging a target at a selected diffusion weighting, and applying an optimization framework to generate an optimized diffusion encoding gradient waveform satisfying the plurality of constraints. The method also includes performing, using the MRI system, a pulse sequence comprising the optimized diffusion encoding gradient waveform to generate diffusion-weighted data, and generating at least one image of the target using the diffusion-weighted data.

Abstract: A system and method for optimized diffusion-weighted imaging is provided. In one aspect, the method includes providing a plurality of constraints for imaging a target at a selected diffusion weighting, and applying an optimization framework to generate an optimized diffusion encoding gradient waveform satisfying the plurality of constraints. The method also includes performing, using the MRI system, a pulse sequence comprising the optimized diffusion encoding gradient waveform to generate diffusion-weighted data, and generating at least one image of the target using the diffusion-weighted data.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for reducing SAR during real-time MR imaging. The method improves the safety of cine imaging, while, in certain embodiments, do not decrease image quality. The method of the invention thereby allows for the use of higher field strengths that are sometimes necessary to provide the most diagnostic information. The present invention also provides methods for improving contrast-to-noise ratio, while not increasing SAR.

Abstract: A fast 3D T2-weighted imaging system and method is disclosed that uses balanced steady state free precession (bSSFP), variable flip angles, and an interleaved multi-shot spiral-out phase encode ordering strategy to acquire high resolution T2-weighted images quickly while maintaining spatial resolution.

Abstract: The present invention includes a catheter for providing contrast under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The catheter includes an elongated tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end and lumen. The catheter further includes a solution of saline and at least one contrast agent, where the solution is sealed within at least a portion of the catheter lumen.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for reducing SAR during real-time MR imaging. The method improves the safety of cine imaging, while, in certain embodiments, do not decrease image quality. The method of the invention thereby allows for the use of higher field strengths that are sometimes necessary to provide the most diagnostic information. The present invention also provides methods for improving contrast-to-noise ratio, while not increasing SAR.