Spatiotemporal encoding MRI at a portable low field system without parallel imaging

Motivation: Geometric distortions in echo-planar acquisitions pose challenges for correction in portable low-field MRI due to significant field inhomogeneities. Goal(s): Our goal was to apply spatiotemporal encoding (SPEN) MRI at a 110 mT portable low-field system, aiming for nearly distortion-free echo-planar images. Approach: We leveraged the low SAR in low-field MR to optimize the SPEN technique for substantial gains in sensitivity. SPEN-based 2D imaging ,3D imaging and DWI were compared with EPI-based imaging and EPI TopUp correction results. Results: Approximately distortion-free SPEN acquisitions including robust 2D, 3D imaging and DWI demonstrated the potential clinical values of SPEN in the portable low field systems. Impact: SPEN MRI provides a unique and robust fast echo planar acquisition approach to obtain nearly distortion-free images at low-cost portable low field systems, thereby expanding the prospects for rapid imaging, navigation, and functional imaging in portable low-field MRI.