MOTION ARTIFACT SUPPRESSION TECHNIQUE (MAST) FOR CRANIAL MR IMAGING - SUPERIORITY OVER CARDIAC GATING FOR REDUCING PHASE-SHIFT ARTIFACTS

  • 1 July 1988
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 9  (4) , 671-674
Abstract
A motion artifact suppression technique (MAST) had recently been developed that significantly reduces motion artifacts in conventional 2DFT imaging. The technique utilizes modifications of slice-select and read gradient waveforms to eliminate velocity, acceleration, and pulsatility phase shifts that occur between the 90.degree. pulse and data collection. T2-weighted cranial MAST images were rated visually superior to cardiac-gated images by two experienced neuroradiologists in 13 of 15 cases and in 14 of 15 cases, respectively (p < 0.001). Quantitative signal-to-noise comparisons for six brain regions in each patient confirmed the visually apparent superiority of MAST, especially for imaging the brainstem and subarachnoid cisterns (p = 0.02). Improvements in signal-to-noise ratios of up to 43% were obtained when using MAST instead of cardiac gating. MAST or a similar technique has the potential to render cardiac gating obsolete as a method for reducing flow-related artifacts in cranial MR imaging.