A noise robust image reconstruction using slice aware cycle interpolator network for parallel imaging in MRI

Background Reducing Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan time has been an important issue for clinical applications. In order to reduce MRI scan time, imaging acceleration was made possible by undersampling k‐space data. This is achieved by leveraging additional spatial information from multiple, independent receiver coils, thereby reducing the number of sampled k‐space lines. Purpose The aim of this study is to develop a deep‐learning method for parallel imaging with a reduced number of auto‐calibration signals (ACS) lines in noisy environments. Methods A cycle interpolator network is developed for robust reconstruction of parallel MRI with a small number of ACS lines in noisy environments. The network estimates missing (unsampled) lines of each coil data, and these estimated missing lines are then utilized to re‐estimate the sampled k‐space lines. In addition, a slice aware reconstruction technique is developed for noise‐robust reconstruction while reducing the number of ACS lines. We conducted an evaluation study using retrospectively subsampled data obtained from three healthy volunteers at 3T MRI, involving three different slice thicknesses (1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 mm) and three different image contrasts (T1w, T2w, and FLAIR). Results Despite the challenges posed by substantial noise in cases with a limited number of ACS lines and thinner slices, the slice aware cycle interpolator network reconstructs the enhanced parallel images. It outperforms RAKI, effectively eliminating aliasing artifacts. Moreover, the proposed network outperforms GRAPPA and demonstrates the ability to successfully reconstruct brain images even under severe noisy conditions. Conclusions The slice aware cycle interpolator network has the potential to improve reconstruction accuracy for a reduced number of ACS lines in noisy environments.