Generalization of three-dimensional golden-angle radial acquisition to reduce eddy current artifacts in bSSFP CMR imaging

PURPOSE: We propose a novel generalization of the three-dimensional double-golden-angle profile ordering, which allows for whole-heart volumetric imaging with retrospective binning and reduced eddy current artifacts. METHODS: A novel theory bridging the gap between the three-dimensional double golden-angle trajectory, and the two-dimensional tiny-golden-angle trajectory is presented. This enables a class of double golden-angle profile orderings with a smaller angular distance between successive k-space readouts. The novel profile orderings were evaluated through simulations, phantom experiments, and in vivo imaging. Comparisons were made to the original double-golden-angle trajectory. Image uniformity and off-resonance sensitivity were evaluated using phantom measurements, and qualitative image quality was assessed using in vivo images acquired in a healthy volunteer. RESULTS: The proposed theory successfully reduced the angular step while maintaining image uniformity after binning. Simulations revealed a slow degradation with decreasing angular steps and an increasing number of physiological bins. The phantom images showed a definite improvement in image uniformity and increased robustness to off-resonance, and in vivo imaging corroborated those findings. CONCLUSION: Reducing the angular step in cardio-respiratory-binned golden-angle imaging shows potential for overcoming eddy current-induced image artifacts associated with 3D golden-angle radial imaging.