Optimization of realtime adaptive navigator correction for 3D magnetic resonance coronary angiography

Abstract

Breathing motion artifacts reduce the quality of MR coronary artery images. Real-time adaptive navigator correction with different correction factors (0%, 30%, 60%, 80% of diaphragmatic displacement) was used to correct for respiratory motion in 3D coronary artery imaging. Significant improvements of image quality were achieved by adaptive motion correction in comparison with conventional navigator gating. A close correlation between the correction factor, which yielded optimal image quality, and cardiac displacement relative to diaphragmatic displacement was found. The quality of coronary artery imaging can be improved using real-time adaptive navigator correction. Correction factors have to be adjusted for each segment of the coronary arteries and for each patient.