Interleaved black and bright blood dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI

Abstract

Interleaved black / bright imaging (IBBI) is performed using a magnetic resonance (MR) scanner (10) wherein the black blood module (52) of the IBBI includes: applying a first flow sensitization gradient; applying a spoiler gradient after applying the first flow sensitization gradient; applying a second flow sensitization gradient after applying the spoiler gradient wherein the second flow sensitization gradient has area equal to the first flow sensitation gradient but of opposite polarity; applying a slice selective radio frequency excitation pulse after applying the spoiler gradient; and performing a MR readout after applying the second flow sensitization gradient and after applying the slice selective radio frequency excitation wherein the readout acquires MR imaging data having blood signal suppression in the region excited by the slice selective radio frequency excitation pulse. The MR imaging data having blood signal suppression is reconstructed to generate black blood images (20), and MR imaging data generated by bright blood modules (50) of the IBBI is reconstructed to generate bright blood images (22).

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 60 / 477854, filed April 21, 2011, entitled "Interleaved black and bright blood dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) Magnetic Resonance Imaging using Local excitation black blood Imaging (LOBBI)." technical field [0003] The following relates to the field of magnetic resonance, the field of magnetic resonance imaging, the field of magnetic resonance angiography and applications of these fields, eg medical imaging, veterinary imaging, etc. Background technique [0004] Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used to quantify inflammatory features of atherosclerotic plaques. However, due to the difficulty of acquiring both the arterial input function (AIF) of bright blood and tissue signal changes (black blood) in a small area close to the lumen, it is critical (for plaque rupture) for early lesions and fibrous caps. Assess...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, achieving high-quality interleaved black / bright imaging (IBBI) has previously been difficult because black blood imaging pulses employ spatially non-selective radio frequency (RF) pulses, which tend to interfere with bright blood imaging modules, resulting in poor Accurate AIF quantification

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