3D image-navigator based Whole-Heart Imaging at 0.55T: comparison to 1.5T

Motivation: Low-field MRI is promising to enhance equity in medical care and accessibility for obese, claustrophobic patients and patients with implanted electronic devices. The investigation of the performance of 3D whole-heart imaging at low-field is still limited. Goal(s): To implement and evaluate a free-breathing image-navigator based framework for 3D whole-heart imaging with isotropic resolution at 0.55T. Approach: A 3D whole-heart free-breathing framework including image-based navigation, respiratory motion-correction reconstruction and patch-based denoising was implemented at 0.55T. The diagnostic performance of 3D whole-heart imaging was evaluated versus its counterpart at 1.5T. Results: 3D whole-heart imaging at 0.55T offers good image and diagnostic quality, comparable to 1.5T. Impact: This study demonstrates that high-quality 3D whole-heart imaging can be achieved at 0.55T showing comparable image and diagnostic quality to the current clinical standard in ­both healthy subjects and clinical patients, paving the pathway for affordable and accessible MRI.