In Vivo xSPEN Imaging with a Model-Based Reconstruction for Efficient Spatial Encoding in a Single-Sided Prostate MRI Scanner

Single-sided low-field MRI scanners can provide image guidance during interventions such as prostate biopsies without restricting surgical access, but efficient spatial encoding is a challenge. In this work we show how spatiotemporal encoding using the xSPEN method combined with a model-based image reconstruction enables swapping a conventionally phase encoded but large-matrix-size image dimension with a conventionally frequency encoded but small-matrix-size image dimension. The model-based reconstruction yields images free of distortions due to gradient non-linearity and shows overall improved in vivo male pelvic image quality.