INTERACTIVE SELECTION OF OPTIMAL SECTION ORIENTATIONS USING REAL-TIMEMRI

In applications where precise image section positioning is vital, the interactive section rotation and offset capabilities of interactive MR I should be valuable. However, due to the independent nature of these two adjustments, the desired structure may often not be visible in the image after a rotation, Valuable time is wasted during relocation. An algorithm is presented that automatically alters the section offset a fter a rotation to provide continuous viewing of a marked structure, g reatly improving section orientation efficiency. The technique is illu strated in the determination of double oblique angulation for through- plane imaging of the portal vein. This algorithm is expected to prove useful in applications of interactive MRI requiring precise positionin g.