Fixing slice alignment errors in 2D brain MRI scans
Elimination of slice alignment errors in 2-dimensional structural MRI
This project tests a new real-time method to reduce slice alignment and motion-related artifacts in 2D T2 brain MRI scans, which could help children, infants, and patients who have trouble staying still.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176291 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you or your child have trouble staying still for a brain MRI, motion can blur or distort the 2D T2 images and sometimes require repeats or sedation. The team is developing a fast navigator that uses the MRI signal history in the slice direction as a kind of "spin tag" to estimate through-plane movements (one translation and two rotations) and then realign slices in real time. That navigator will be integrated into common 2D MRI sequences (RARE/TSE and PROPELLER) so it can correct slice alignment errors across and within excitations. The methods will be tested in healthy volunteers and judged by objective image-quality metrics to show whether the corrections produce clearer scans.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who need 2D T2-weighted brain MRI but are likely to move, such as young children, infants, or adults who are confused or agitated.
Not a fit: People who only receive 3D MRI sequences, cannot undergo MRI due to implants or other contraindications, or who move in ways too extreme for correction may not benefit from this technique.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could produce clearer brain MRI images for people who move during scans and reduce the need for repeat scans or sedation.
How similar studies have performed: Existing methods like prospective motion correction and PROPELLER have reduced many motion artifacts, but correcting slice alignment errors from through-plane motion is a newer and not fully solved approach.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ernst, Thomas M — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Ernst, Thomas M
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.