Initial results in pediatric volunteers using a silent and motion corrected ZTE protocol

Motivation: Improve imaging for pediatric subjects by reducing loud acoustic noise and accommodating subject motion. Goal(s): Develop a ZTE-based silent and motion-corrected neuroimaging protocol in pediatric subjects. Approach: Nine pediatric volunteers were imaged with a protocol consisting of silent ZTE based T1w and T2w acquisitions and conventional Cartesian 3D gradient echo T1 MPRAGE and T2 FSE-CUBE. Images were reviewed and scored by a board-certified radiologist to assess overall image quality. Results: Radiologist review indicates relatively comparable image quality for the ZTE acquisitions versus the conventional acquisitions. Motion induced blurring of some brain structures during motion was reduced using ZTE with motion correction. Impact: This approach shows promise for studies in sensitive populations such as pediatrics with ear disorders and autism spectrum disorder.