Development of a bias field-based uniformity correction in magnetic resonance imaging with various standard pulse sequences

To avoid artifacts and interpretation mistakes, improvements in the uniformity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is very important. The aim of this study is to develop a bias field-based uniformity correction algorithm and to confirm the feasibility of its application with an integrated positron emission tomography (PET)/MRI system using standard MRI pulse sequences (T2-weighted, half-Fourier, single-shot turbo spin echo, T2-weighted turbo spin echo with fat suppression, and three-dimensional, volumetric, T1-weighted gradient recalled echo interpolated breath-hold examination using controlled aliasing in parallel imaging that results in increased acceleration). We used phantoms containing NaCl and NaCl + NiSO4 solutions, and considered the percent image uniformity (PIU) as the evaluation parameter. The elicited PIU results using the correction algorithm were distinct for all sequences and phantoms. The results of this study suggested that the bias field-based algorithm allows uniformity improvements in MRI in terms of PIU.