PURPOSE
To validate the performance of an open-source cardiac diffusion sequence framework and to investigate hardware-based performance differences.
METHODS
Three second order motion compensated sequence files were compiled using Pulseq and applied across different MRI systems to image five volunteers. DTI and SNR analysis was performed to investigate protocol efficacy.
RESULTS
The sequences performed well at the task of imaging short axis views of the myocardium and producing data suitable for diffusion tensor imaging analysis. Significant differences in sequence performance across different systems and within the same system were revealed. Relative SNR utilizing the strongest available gradient system yielded up to 80% more SNR than the weakest tested system. Relative SNR obtained from the same sequence at different scanners differed by up to 42%, suggesting hardware impacts that warrant further investigation.
CONCLUSION
The presented sequence framework allows for an easy starting point into cardiac diffusion tensor imaging and opens the door to further analysis of hardware impacts on performance.
E. Arbes, Ariel J. Hannum, Johannes Fischer et al.· Magnetic Resonance in Medici...· 0 citations
PURPOSE
Reproducibility in MRI is limited by variability in data acquisition, formatting, and reconstruction across sites and vendors. This work aimed to mitigate these challenges through an open-source, vendor-independent workflow originally developed for the 2023-24 ISMRM Repeat It with Me: Reproducibility Team Challenge.
METHODS
Pulseq, extended with advanced features including LABELs and Sequence Definitions for k-space description and execution instructions, was used to harmonize data acquisition. Pulseq-generated raw k-space data were converted into the MRD format using these metadata. Open-source, vendor-independent image reconstruction and post-processing were performed with Gadgetron. Additionally, vendor-native online reconstructions on Siemens platforms (ICE and OpenRecon) were enabled for Pulseq-based sequences. The workflow was validated using MPRAGE and EPI protocols in phantoms and in vivo across nine scanners from five sites and four vendors. Vendor-native acquisition and reconstruction protocols were executed for comparison.
RESULTS
Pulseq-based sequences executed successfully on all systems, with all data converted and reconstructed without errors. Pulseq-based, Gadgetron-reconstructed images showed good agreement with corresponding vendor-native images across scanners; however, qualitative and quantitative differences remained. Despite detailed natural-language descriptions and meticulous console configuration, vendor-native protocols introduced subtle but notable cross-platform differences in sequence execution and reconstruction. In contrast, the proposed workflow achieved highly consistent sequence execution via Pulseq and standardized reconstruction through Gadgetron across scanners.
CONCLUSION
We established an open-source MRI workflow that harmonizes data acquisition, formatting, and reconstruction across sites and vendors. This workflow represents a critical step toward fully open and reproducible MRI, facilitating transparency, standardization, and collaboration across the research community.
Qingping Chen, Thomas H. M. Roos, Amaya Murguia et al.· Magnetic Resonance in Medici...· 0 citations
An open-source reference system for portable low-field MRI designed to support replication, reproducibility, benchmarking, and quantitative comparison is presented, aiming to support cross-site comparability, reproducible research, and collaborative development of future portable low-field MRI technologies.
D. Schote, H. Herthum, Umberto Zanovello et al.· 0 citations