Iterative versus non-iterative image reconstruction methods for sparse magnetic resonance imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using under-sampled k-space data is a common method to shorten the imaging time. Iterative Bayesian algorithms are usually used for its image reconstruction. This paper compares an iterative Bayesian image reconstruction method that uses both spatial and temporal constraints and a non-iterative reconstruction algorithm that does not use temporal constraints. Three patient studies are performed. It is interesting to notice that the images reconstructed by the iterative Bayesian algorithm may introduce more bias than the non-iterative algorithm, even though the images provided by the iterative Bayesian algorithm look less noisy. The bias can be reduced by decreasing the influence of the temporal constraints.