3D Seiffert spirals for efficient k-space sampling in 23Na-MRI: initial phantom simulations

Modern sodium MRI (23Na-MRI) uses efficient, non-Cartesian k-space sampling strategies to acquire 3D volumes in clinically feasible scan times. 3D Seiffert spirals are a novel k-space sampling scheme with improved efficiency to existing methods. 23Na-MRI, and particularly temporally resolved functional 23Na-MRI, could be an ideal application for Seiffert spirals. We present initial, in silico simulations of 3D Seiffert spiral k-space sampling for a highly undersampled 1.8 second functional 23Na-MRI protocol. Seiffert spirals generate images of improved quality and SNR in direct comparison to 3D-cones. Essential further work will involve compressed sensing reconstruction, further trajectory optimisation and in vivo imaging.