The Effects of Image Filtering on the Accuracy and Precision of Magnetic Resonance Hydrophone Measurements

Motivation: We seek higher precision Magnetic Resonance Hydrophone (MRH) measures of acoustic pressure. More precise measures will improve MRI guidance of focused ultrasound neurmodulation therapies. Goal(s): We seek to improve precision in magnetic resonance hydrophonography without loss in measurement accuracy. We hypothesize that filters excluding spatial information wave-numbers less than that of the measured acoustic wave will improve measurement precision. Approach: We acquired MRH images and characterized their accuracy and precision against a calibrated hydrophone. We repeated this process after using 5 specially designed filters. Results: The filters improved precision at a modest cost of accuracy. Impact: This study will inform future users of MR hydrophone techniques of the basic tradeoffs image filtering imposes on measurement accuracy and precision.