Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a radiation-free, non-invasive, preci
se, and safe medical imaging modality. By utilizing a strong magnetic fiel
d, MRI can detect the small signal from the protons in the human body aft
er the excitation by radiofrequency waves. MRI offers multi-angle scannin
g and high-contrast imaging, improving diagnostic accuracy. However, M
RI images are susceptible to motion artifacts caused by subject movemen
t or physiological motion during scans. Diffusion-weighted MRI, in particu
lar, is highly sensitive to even slight subject motion or positional changes
due to respiration or heartbeat, leading to significant image artifacts whic
h can hinder the image interpretation and clinical diagnosis.
Current methods to mitigate motion artifacts in MRI include the navigator
echo method and the multi-channel signal correction. The navigator echo
method requires the modification of pulse sequence to acquire additional
signals for the correction of phase error due to subject motion. Multi-chan
nel signal correction requires a phase array coil for multi-channel data acq
uisition to correct the motion artifact. However, the present invention offe
rs a method that does not require modifying existing MRI pulse sequence
s and is not limited by MRI hardware. If subject motion happens during sc
ans, inconsistent phase errors occur in each data acquisition. The present i
nvention utilizes an iterative algorithm to compensate the phase errors caused by subject motion with automated segmentation of MRI images. Thi
s method can automatic correct motion artifacts in MRI images without m
odifying existing sequences or being limited by hardware. It provides mor
e accurate and precise medical images for clinical use.