A comprehensive systematic literature review on the quality control of phase contrast MRI

Abstract

Background: Phase Contrast MRI is a specialised technique which makes use of the MRI signal to visualise and quantify velocity. Given the vital information which is obtained from Phase Contrast MRI procedures it is of vital importance that an exhaustive quality control procedure is followed for such a technique. Objectives: The main purpose of this systematic review was to analyse the current information and methods with regarding the quality control of Phase Contrast MRI procedures, as well as looking at new information and methodology which may be used in the quality control process of PC-MR imaging. Research Methodology: The systematic literature review follows the PRISMA guidelines, utilising databases such as PubMed, Elsevier, and Google Scholar to gather relevant studies published between 2014 and 2024. The focus was on studies that applied robust and ethical research methodologies, particularly those involving test-retest validation. Results: The review identified key components of PC-MRI, including the importance of velocity encoding and common artefacts encountered during imaging. Various phantoms used for quality control were discussed, such as system phantoms for general scanner performance and application-specific phantoms for evaluating flow velocity. The systematic review highlighted the necessity for a comprehensive quality control system to mitigate background errors and ensure accurate PC-MRI results. Conclusions and Recommendations: The systematic literature review highlights the importance of robust quality control procedures for PC-MRI. It recommends the development or the acquisition of standard system phantoms and application-specific phantoms for improved quality control. Additionally, further research into automated quality control systems and advanced phantoms is suggested to enhance diagnostic accuracy. The integration of automated systems could streamline the quality control processes, reduce manual intervention, and improve consistency in PC-MRI data quality.