Stretched Radial Trajectory Design for Efficient MRI with Enhanced K-Space Coverage and Image Resolution

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new MRI technique that improves image resolution without increasing scan time or hardware requirements.

Contribution

A novel stretched radial trajectory design that expands k-space coverage without increasing scan duration.

Findings

The method achieves square k-space coverage in 2D and cubic coverage in 3D imaging.

Improved image sharpness and visualization of fine structures were observed in phantom and in vivo experiments.

T1 and T2 mapping accuracy was enhanced in MRF acquisitions using the proposed approach.

Abstract

We present a stretched radial trajectory design that enhances image resolution in MRI by expanding k-space coverage without increasing readout duration or scan time. The method dynamically modulates gradient amplitudes as a function of projection angle, achieving square k-space coverage in 2D and cubic coverage in 3D imaging. Validation was conducted using phantom and in vivo experiments on GE and Siemens scanners at 0.55 T and 3 T. Point spread function analysis and reconstructed images demonstrated improved sharpness and clearer visualization of fine structures, including small phantom details and brain vasculature. The approach also increased T1 and T2 mapping accuracy in MRF acquisitions. The proposed strategy requires no additional scan time or gradient hardware capability, making it well-suited for MRI systems with moderate performance. It offers a simple and generalizable means to improve spatial resolution in both structural and quantitative imaging applications.

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