A hybrid PCA acceleration method for rapid real-time 2D target tracking

Motivation: Most standard MR sequences are too slow for real-time applications. Accelerated acquisitions are one method to achieve the required frame rates. Neural-network reconstruction and parallel imaging are two methods that can achieve the necessary frame rates but are computationally expensive or require extensive coil arrays. Goal(s): To develop an accelerated reconstruction method suitable for real-time applications which is computationally inexpensive and simple to implement. Approach: Our method was tested retrospectively on lung, liver, and prostate patients for image quality and auto-contourability using a range of metrics. Results: Image quality and contourability improved over similar methods while maintaining good reconstruction times for real-time applications. Impact: An accelerated PCA-based reconstruction method was developed suitable for real-time applications, and in particular, target tracking. It has improved image quality and auto-contourability compared to similar methods while still maintaining simplicity in its implementation (low-cost computing, single coil arrays).