Modeling the MRI gradient system with a temporal convolutional network: Improved reconstruction by prediction of readout gradient errors.

Abstract

Purpose: Our objective is to develop a general, nonlinear gradient system model that can accurately predict gradient distortions using convolutional networks.

Methods: A set of training gradient waveforms were measured on a small animal imaging system and used to train a temporal convolutional network to predict the gradient waveforms produced by the imaging system.

Results: The trained network was able to accurately predict nonlinear distortions produced by the gradient system. Network prediction of gradient waveforms was incorporated into the image reconstruction pipeline and provided improvements in image quality and diffusion parameter mapping compared to both the nominal gradient waveform and the gradient impulse response function.

Conclusion: Temporal convolutional networks can more accurately model gradient system behavior than existing linear methods and may be used to retrospectively correct gradient errors.