Correction of Respiratory Motion in Free-Breathing DCE-MRI using a Pilot-Tone Coil

Motivation: Self-navigation is commonly used for motion estimation in abdominal MRI. However, it often fails for dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) scans due to contrast-induced k-space changes. Goal(s): To investigate the use of the Pilot-Tone (PT) technique for motion correction of free-breathing DCE-MRI. Approach: A body coil with integrated PT was used for motion estimation. Validation experiments included real-time imaging and comparison with self-navigation for five post-contrast scans. One subject was scanned during contrast injection, followed by motion-weighted reconstruction using the PT data. Results: The PT technique provides accurate respiration curves and enables motion-weighted DCE-MRI reconstruction to improve image quality and sharpness. Impact: The PT technique offers accurate detection of respiration and enables motion-weighted reconstruction to reduce motion blurring in free-breathing DCE-MRI. It is easy to use, without need to place belts or sensors when using a body coil with integrated PT transmitter.