Motion artifacts remain a significant obstacle in MRI, but advancements in motion detection and correction are driving innovation in both clinical practice and research. The 2024 Motion Correction Workshop, held from September 3-6 by the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) in Quebec City, Canada, brought together international experts to discuss the latest breakthroughs in addressing motion-related challenges in MRI. This workshop highlighted key advancements across a range of topics, including optical and field camera tracking, fetal and neurological motion correction, motion modeling for therapy planning, and data-driven solutions. With sessions designed for both newcomers and experienced researchers, the workshop aimed to foster collaboration and innovation, bringing the latest insights to scientists, clinicians, and radiographers alike.
MIMRTL was represented by Professor Alan McMillan who gave a talk entitled, “How Do Other Modalities Like PET & SPECT Handle Motion?” In his presentation, Professor McMillan explored how Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) manage patient motion, offering valuable insights for MRI researchers. Professor McMillan emphasized the unique challenges these modalities face due to their time-resolved data acquisition, which is particularly sensitive to motion. While MRI collects data in the spatial frequency domain, PET and SPECT operate in physical space, making them more prone to image blurring from patient movement. His talk covered a spectrum of motion correction strategies used in PET and SPECT, ranging from hardware-driven solutions like ECG gating and optical tracking to advanced data-driven techniques, including deep learning models.
The workshop also explored how motion, traditionally viewed as an obstacle, can be harnessed as an opportunity in various imaging applications. Presentations focused on leveraging motion for cardiac imaging, bowel motility assessments, and speech and swallowing studies. These dynamic processes offer unique opportunities for functional imaging when paired with appropriate motion detection and correction techniques. A key feature of the workshop was the opportunity for attendees to gain hands-on experience with the latest motion correction technologies. Through practical sessions, participants explored state-of-the-art tools and techniques, bridging the gap between academic research and clinical application.
By the conclusion of the workshop, participants were equipped with a comprehensive understanding of the causes and challenges of motion artifacts in MRI, the current methods used to address them, and the future directions of motion correction research. Deep learning, in particular, was highlighted as a powerful tool that holds promise for revolutionizing the way motion is managed in MRI.
For more information about the workshop, visit the official webpage here: https://www.ismrm.org/workshops/2024/Motion/
