Isotropic 3D Sub-millimeter MRI of the Vocal Fold Oscillation with Sub-millisecond Temporal Resolution

Motivation: Several diseases influence the human vocal fold oscillation which can currently only be studied with superficial stroboscopic imaging. Goal(s): We aim to develop a technique that allows the full characterization of the vocal fold oscillation with sub-millisecond sub-millimeter resolution. Approach: ZTE MRI allows to freeze sub-ms dynamic signal changes in k-space. With synchronization data from a microphone, we retrospectively gate ZTE MRI data of the larynx acquired during singing using a total variation constraint in the time domain to reconstruct the vocal fold motion. Results: 3D vocal fold oscillations can be visualized with ultra-high spatial (0.8mm) and temporal (670μs) resolution. Impact: This work aims to improve the understanding of the VF oscillation under various physiological and pathological conditions, and might have applications in 3D dynamic MRI of other oscillatory body motions.