MRI at low field: A review of software solutions for improving SNR.

Low magnetic field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (  < 1 T) is regaining interest in the magnetic resonance (MR) community as a complementary, more flexible, and cost-effective approach to MRI diagnosis. Yet, the impaired signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) per square root of time, or SNR efficiency, leading in turn to prolonged acquisition times, still challenges its relevance at the clinical level. To address this, researchers investigate various hardware and software solutions to improve SNR efficiency at low field, including the leveraging of latest advances in computing hardware. However, there may not be a single recipe for improving SNR at low field, and it is key to embrace the challenges and limitations of each proposed solution. In other words, suitable solutions depend on the final objective or application envisioned for a low-field scanner and, more importantly, on the characteristics of a specific low field. In this review, we aim to provide an overview on software solutions to improve SNR efficiency at low field. First, we cover techniques for efficient k-space sampling and reconstruction. Then, we present post-acquisition techniques that enhance MR images such as denoising and super-resolution. In addition, we summarize recently introduced electromagnetic interference cancellation approaches showing great promises when operating in shielding-free environments. Finally, we discuss the advantages and limitations of these approaches that could provide directions for future applications.