Joint Estimation of Image and Fieldmap in Parallel MRI Using Single-Shot Acquisitions

Abstract

We propose a method for joint reconstruction of dynamic images and fieldmaps in parallel MRI, using single-shot trajectories. We exploit the sensitivity encoding from parallel imaging to reduce the length of acquisition and essentially perform joint reconstruction using just one full k-space dataset. We also explore the use of modified trajectories (both EPI and spiral) that provide full coverage of k-space and also contain enough inherent time differences to permit accurate fieldmap estimation. Finally we improve the efficiency of the reconstruction algorithm by using a linearization technique for fieldmap estimation, which allows the use of the conjugate gradient algorithm.