High temporal resolution motion correction in MRF using quantitative-scout-based navigation (QUEEN) and motion-dictionary matching.

Motivation: Motion correction in MRF using navigators in sequence deadtime improves imaging robustness, however, temporal resolution of the approaches is limited to 6-10 s. Goal(s): We aim to achieve accurate motion tracking at 0.5 s temporal resolution, by integrating the QUantitatively-Enhanced parameter Estimation from Navigators (QUEEN) approach into MRF. Approach: Compact navigators were inserted throughout the MRF acquisition at a minimal encoding efficiency reduction of ~5%. The acquisition of the quantitative scout was integrated into the MRF’s dummy scan, resulting in no added scantime. Results: The estimated in vivo motion parameters have MAE of 0.4 mm and 0.2 deg compared to image registration estimates. Impact: The proposed method can achieve high temporal resolution motion estimates, and therefore, is a promising approach for high-precision motion correction in MRF.