Cartilage calcification layer imaging method, device, equipment and medium

Abstract

The invention discloses a cartilage calcification layer imaging method and device, equipment and a medium, and relates to the technical field of image processing, and the method comprises the steps: obtaining a to-be-imaged knee joint specimen, carrying out the magnetic resonance scanning of the to-be-imaged knee joint specimen, and obtaining a plurality of to-be-processed images; performing double-echo subtraction processing on the first to-be-processed image and the second to-be-processed image to obtain a target image which contains a cartilage calcification layer represented in a high-signal strip form and meets a preset high-resolution condition, and determining position information and form information of the cartilage calcification layer in the target image; and performing single-index fitting processing on all the to-be-processed images to obtain a target quantitative map, processing the target quantitative map based on the position information and the form information to obtain quantitative information of a cartilage calcification layer, and obtaining a target high-resolution image of the to-be-imaged knee joint specimen based on the quantitative information and the target image. And a high-definition image for clearly displaying the fine structure of the calcified cartilage layer is obtained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of image processing, and particularly to a method, device, equipment and medium for imaging a cartilage calcified layer. Background Art

[0002] In the early stage of osteoarthritis, the structural components of the cartilage calcified layer can change, with an increase in mineralization degree. At the same time, new calcified tissues appear above the calcified layer. As osteoarthritis progresses, the mineralization degree of the calcified layer decreases, and the calcified tissues above the calcified layer gradually fuse with the calcified layer, increasing the thickness of the calcified layer. Therefore, accurate imaging assessment of the cartilage calcified layer is very important in the early diagnosis, progression staging and mechanism research of osteoarthritis.

[0003] Magnetic resonance imaging is sensitive to soft tissue signals and has been widely used in the research of cartilage matrix in vivo and in vitro. However, since the cartilage calcified layer belongs to tissues with short relaxation times, magnetic resonance signals decay rapidly after excitation, making it difficult to evaluate using conventional magnetic resonance techniques. Ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging systems (above 3T), compared with traditional 3T high-field magnetic resonance equipment, can provide finer resolution, higher imaging signal-to-noise ratio, and more excellent tissue contrast, and have been used in quantitative imaging research of cartilage in vivo and in vitro. Currently, UTE (Ultrashort Echo Time) imaging of canine cartilage calcified layer has been achieved on 7.0T magnetic resonance. However, limited by the imaging resolution of the sequence, current cartilage ultra-high field magnetic resonance UTE imaging research mainly focuses on ex vivo cartilage specimens of pigs, cows and dogs. The thickness of the cartilage calcified layer of small modeling animals such as mice, rats and rabbits commonly used in mechanism research is extremely thin, and existing UTE imaging techniques cannot perform high-definition imaging research on the cartilage calcified layer of these model animals, thus unable to exert the important value that UTE imaging technology should have in basic research. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a method, device, equipment and medium for imaging a cartilage calcified layer, which can perform high-definition quantitative imaging on the cartilage calcified layer of modeling animals of different body sizes. The specific scheme is as follows:

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application discloses a method for imaging a cartilage calcified layer, including:

[0006] Obtain a knee joint specimen to be imaged, and perform magnetic resonance scanning on the knee joint specimen to be imaged by a preset ultra-high field magnetic resonance scanner according to preset scanning parameters to obtain a corresponding number of images to be processed;

[0007] Take the image to be processed at the first echo time as the first image to be processed, and take the image to be processed at the second echo time as the second image to be processed; wherein, the first echo time and the second echo time are respectively the time signals for capturing calcified cartilage and the time signals for attenuating the image background in each magnetic resonance scan and imaging.

[0008] Perform dual-echo subtraction processing on the first image to be processed and the second image to be processed to obtain a target image that meets the preset high-resolution condition and includes a calcified cartilage layer characterized by high-signal stripes, and determine the position information and morphological information of the calcified cartilage layer in the target image.

[0009] Perform single-exponential fitting processing on all images to be processed to obtain a target quantitative map, and process the target quantitative map based on the position information and morphological information to obtain the quantitative information of the calcified cartilage layer, and obtain the target high-resolution image of the knee joint specimen to be imaged based on the quantitative information and the target image.

[0010] Optionally, the magnetic resonance scanning process of the knee joint specimen to be imaged by the preset ultra-high field magnetic resonance scanner according to the preset scanning parameters to obtain a corresponding number of images to be processed includes:

[0011] Adjust the height of the scanning bed of the preset ultra-high field magnetic resonance scanner based on the placement position parameters to place the knee joint specimen to be imaged at the magnet center, and perform multi-echo UTE scanning on the knee joint specimen to be imaged using a single-loop coil according to the preset scanning parameters to obtain a corresponding number of images to be processed.

[0012] Optionally, the determination of the position information and morphological information of the calcified cartilage layer in the target image includes:

[0013] Perform contouring on the image area where the calcified cartilage layer is located in the target image to obtain a region of interest.

[0014] Perform binarization on the region of interest to obtain mask information representing the position information and morphological information of the calcified cartilage layer.

[0015] Optionally, the processing of the target quantitative map based on the position information and morphological information to obtain the quantitative information of the calcified cartilage layer includes:

[0016] Multiply the mask information with the target quantitative map to obtain the quantitative information of the calcified cartilage layer.

[0017] Optionally, the single-exponential fitting processing of all images to be processed to obtain a target quantitative map includes:

[0018] Extract the signal intensities of each pixel point in each of the images to be processed at different echo times to generate corresponding signal attenuation curves;

[0019] Use a preset single-exponential equation to fit each of the signal attenuation curves to solve for the corresponding quantitative value;

[0020] Map the quantitative value to each pixel point to generate a target quantitative map.

[0021] Optionally, the preset single-exponential equation is:

[0022] ;

[0023] where, represents the echo time, represents the signal intensity at the echo time, represents the initial signal intensity when the echo time is zero, represents the transverse relaxation time, represents the correction term.

[0024] Optionally, the first echo time is 0.2 milliseconds and the second echo time is 3.01 milliseconds.

[0025] In a second aspect, the present application discloses a cartilage calcification layer imaging device, including:

[0026] A scanning module, configured to acquire a knee joint specimen to be imaged and perform magnetic resonance scanning processing on the knee joint specimen to be imaged according to preset scanning parameters by using a preset ultra-high field magnetic resonance scanner to obtain a corresponding number of images to be processed;

[0027] An image screening module, configured to use the image to be processed at the first echo time as a first image to be processed and use the image to be processed at the second echo time as a second image to be processed; wherein, the first echo time and the second echo time are respectively the time signals for capturing the calcified cartilage and the time signals for attenuating the image background in each magnetic resonance scan imaging;

[0028] A first image processing module, configured to perform dual echo subtraction processing on the first image to be processed and the second image to be processed to obtain a target image that meets a preset high-resolution condition and includes a cartilage calcification layer characterized by high signal bands, and determine the position information and morphological information of the cartilage calcification layer in the target image;

[0029] A second image processing module, configured to perform single exponential fitting processing on all images to be processed to obtain a target quantitative map, and process the target quantitative map based on the position information and morphological information to obtain quantitative information of the cartilage calcified layer, and obtain a target high-resolution image of the knee joint specimen to be imaged based on the quantitative information and the target image.

[0030] In a third aspect, the present application discloses an electronic device, including:

[0031] A memory, configured to store a computer program;

[0032] A processor, configured to execute the computer program to implement the steps of the cartilage calcified layer imaging method disclosed above.

[0033] In a fourth aspect, the present application discloses a computer-readable storage medium, configured to store a computer program; wherein, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the cartilage calcified layer imaging method disclosed above are implemented.

[0034] It can be seen that the present application discloses a cartilage calcified layer imaging method, including: obtaining a knee joint specimen to be imaged, and performing magnetic resonance scanning processing on the knee joint specimen to be imaged by a preset ultra-high field magnetic resonance scanner according to preset scanning parameters to obtain a corresponding number of images to be processed; using the image to be processed at the first echo time as the first image to be processed, and using the image to be processed at the second echo time as the second image to be processed; wherein, the first echo time and the second echo time are respectively the time signals for capturing calcified cartilage and the time signals for attenuating the image background in each magnetic resonance scan imaging; performing dual echo subtraction processing on the first image to be processed and the second image to be processed to obtain a target image that meets the preset high-resolution condition and includes a cartilage calcified layer characterized by high signal strips, and determining the position information and morphological information of the cartilage calcified layer in the target image; performing single exponential fitting processing on all images to be processed to obtain a target quantitative map, and processing the target quantitative map based on the position information and morphological information to obtain quantitative information of the cartilage calcified layer, and obtaining a target high-resolution image of the knee joint specimen to be imaged based on the quantitative information and the target image. Thus, through the ultra-high field magnetic resonance scanner and preset scanning parameters, a high-resolution image of the knee joint specimen can be obtained. Further, through dual echo subtraction processing, the background signal and noise are eliminated, and the high signal strips of the calcified cartilage layer are highlighted, which is easy to identify and analyze. Through single exponential fitting processing, a target quantitative map is generated. In this way, by providing the target quantitative value of the calcified cartilage layer and combining the target image, not only the fine structure of the calcified cartilage layer can be clearly displayed, but also the mineralization degree, tissue composition and microstructure of the calcified cartilage layer can be accurately reflected. Description of the Drawings

[0035] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only the embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on the provided drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 It is a flowchart of a method for imaging the cartilage calcification layer disclosed in this application;

[0037] Figure 2(a) is an image to be processed at TE = 0.2 milliseconds disclosed in this application;

[0038] Figure 2(b) is an image to be processed at TE = 1.65 milliseconds disclosed in this application;

[0039] Figure 2(c) is an image to be processed at TE = 3.01 milliseconds disclosed in this application;

[0040] Figure 2(d) is an image to be processed at TE = 4.37 milliseconds disclosed in this application;

[0041] Figure 3 It is a target image obtained after double - echo subtraction disclosed in this application;

[0042] Figure 4 It is a target quantitative map disclosed in this application;

[0043] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of a device for imaging the cartilage calcification layer disclosed in this application;

[0044] Figure 6 It is a structural diagram of an electronic device disclosed in this application. Detailed implementation manners

[0045] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts belong to the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0046] In the early stage of osteoarthritis, the structural components of the cartilage calcified layer can change, with an increase in mineralization degree. At the same time, new calcified tissue appears above the calcified layer. As osteoarthritis progresses, the mineralization degree of the calcified layer decreases, and the calcified tissue above the calcified layer gradually fuses with the calcified layer, increasing the thickness of the calcified layer. Therefore, accurate imaging assessment of the cartilage calcified layer is very important in the early diagnosis, progression staging, and mechanism research of osteoarthritis.

[0047] Magnetic resonance imaging is sensitive to soft tissue signals and has been widely used in the study of cartilage matrix in vivo and in vitro. However, since the cartilage calcified layer belongs to short relaxation time tissue, the magnetic resonance signal decays rapidly after excitation, making it difficult to evaluate using conventional magnetic resonance techniques. Ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging systems (above 3T), compared with traditional 3T high-field magnetic resonance equipment, can provide finer resolution, higher imaging signal-to-noise ratio, and more excellent tissue contrast, and have been used in quantitative imaging studies of cartilage in vivo and in vitro. Currently, UTE imaging of canine cartilage calcified layer has been achieved on 7.0T magnetic resonance. However, limited by the imaging resolution of the sequence, current ultra-high field magnetic resonance UTE imaging studies of cartilage mainly focus on ex vivo cartilage specimens of pigs, cows, and dogs. The cartilage calcified layer of small modeling animals such as mice, rats, and rabbits commonly used in mechanism research is extremely thin, and the existing UTE imaging technology cannot perform high-definition imaging studies on the cartilage calcified layer of these model animals, thus unable to exert the important value that the UTE imaging technology should have in basic research.

[0048] Therefore, the present invention provides an imaging scheme for the cartilage calcified layer, which can perform high-definition quantitative imaging on the cartilage calcified layer of modeling animals of different body sizes.

[0049] Refer to Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention discloses a method for imaging the cartilage calcified layer, including:

[0050] Step S11: Obtain a knee joint specimen to be imaged, and perform magnetic resonance scanning on the knee joint specimen to be imaged according to preset scanning parameters by a preset ultra-high field magnetic resonance scanner to obtain a corresponding number of images to be processed.

[0051] In this embodiment, in order to perform high-definition imaging on the cartilage calcified layer of knee joints of animals of different body sizes, the present invention can soak and fix the knee joint specimen in a test tube to obtain a knee joint specimen to be imaged.

[0052] In this embodiment, the height of the scanning bed of the preset ultra-high field magnetic resonance scanner is adjusted based on the placement position parameter, so as to place the knee joint specimen to be imaged at the magnet center, and multi-echo UTE scanning is performed on the knee joint specimen to be imaged using a single-loop coil according to the preset scanning parameters, so as to obtain a corresponding number of images to be processed. It can be understood that the height of the scanning bed of the 9.4T ultra-high field magnetic resonance scanner is adjusted to place the knee joint specimen to be imaged at the magnet center, and then multi-echo UTE scanning is performed on it according to the preset scanning parameters and using a single-loop coil, where the preset scanning parameters include pulse sequence parameters, signal acquisition parameters, image reconstruction parameters, spatial coverage parameters, and scanning time parameters; specifically, the specific settings of each scanning parameter in this solution are as follows:

[0053] Pulse sequence parameters: TR (Repetition Time) = 1.0 ms, TE (Echo Time) = 0.2, 1.65, 3.01, 4.37 ms (milliseconds), flip angle = 8°;

[0054] Signal acquisition parameters: number of spokes = 40000, number of radial spokes = 5, bandwidth = 1000 Hz (hertz);

[0055] Image reconstruction parameters: matrix = 256×256, resolution = 60μm×60μm;

[0056] Spatial coverage parameters: slice thickness = 100μm, number of slices = 154;

[0057] Scanning time parameters: number of averages = 20, scanning time = 12h14min.

[0058] As can be seen from the above settings of the scanning parameters, the TR setting can affect the T1 contrast, determine the weight of the image to be processed in the scanned image, optimize the signal acquisition efficiency, shorten the scanning time while ensuring the signal-to-noise ratio, and improve the imaging efficiency; the TE affects the T2 contrast, determines the time point of signal acquisition, can capture the short T2 signal of the calcified cartilage layer, and at the same time eliminates the background signal; the flip angle controls the excitation angle of the radiofrequency pulse, affects the signal intensity and contrast, can optimize the signal intensity of the calcified cartilage layer, and improve the image contrast; the number of spokes and radial spokes affect the K-space filling and signal acquisition, thus affecting the signal-to-noise ratio and image quality of the image; the bandwidth affects the frequency range of signal acquisition, affects the resolution and signal-to-noise ratio of the image, can improve the resolution of the image, and reduce artifacts; the matrix determines the number of pixels in the image, affects the resolution, and the resolution represents the ability to display details of the image, which is related to the matrix and the field of view. Through the resolution setting and matrix setting, ultra-high resolution imaging can be achieved, and the fine structure of the calcified cartilage layer can be clearly displayed; the slice thickness represents the thickness of each slice, affects the spatial resolution, and the number of slices represents the number of scanned slices, affects the coverage range. The slice thickness and the number of slices can ensure the complete imaging of the calcified cartilage layer and avoid missing important areas; the scanning time represents the time required for the entire scanning process and affects the overall efficiency.

[0059] In this way, at different echo times, a total of 4 original UTE images are finally obtained as the images to be processed, as shown in Figures 2(a), 2(b), 2(c), and 2(d).

[0060] Step S12: Use the image to be processed at the first echo time as the first image to be processed, and use the image to be processed at the second echo time as the second image to be processed; wherein, the first echo time and the second echo time are respectively the time signals for capturing the calcified cartilage and the time signals for attenuating the image background in each magnetic resonance scan imaging.

[0061] In this embodiment, the first echo time is 0.2 milliseconds, and the second echo time is 3.01 milliseconds. It can be understood that the image to be processed corresponding to the first echo time is used as the first image to be processed. Since the first echo time is short TE, the first image to be processed obtained correspondingly is an image containing the captured signal of the calcified cartilage layer. The second echo time is long TE, which can attenuate the background signal in the image except for each part of the knee joint specimen and can be used for subsequent double-echo subtraction. Therefore, the image to be processed corresponding to the second echo time is used as the second image to be processed.

[0062] Step S13: Perform dual-echo subtraction processing on the first image to be processed and the second image to be processed, so as to obtain a target image that meets the preset high-resolution condition and includes a cartilage calcification layer characterized by high-signal strips, and determine the position information and morphological information of the cartilage calcification layer in the target image.

[0063] In this embodiment, image registration processing is performed on the first image to be processed and the second image to be processed to ensure that the spatial positions of the two images are exactly the same, so as to avoid artifacts caused by subtraction. Then, pixel-by-pixel subtraction processing is performed on the two registered images to obtain the target image after dual-echo subtraction processing. Among them, the high-signal strips of the calcified cartilage layer in the target image are clearly visible in the UTE-SUB image (UTE-Subtraction, ultra-short echo time subtraction image), while the background signal and noise are significantly suppressed. In this way, the visualization of the calcified cartilage layer is realized, and the morphology, thickness and position of the calcified cartilage layer can be observed. As Figure 3 shown, the strip area pointed by the white arrow on the UTE-SUB image is the cartilage calcification layer, which is specifically manifested as a high-signal strip between the cartilage and the subchondral bone.

[0064] In this embodiment, the image area where the cartilage calcification layer is located in the target image is outlined to obtain a region of interest; the region of interest is binarized to obtain mask information representing the position information and morphological information of the cartilage calcification layer. It can be understood that for the target image, further in the UTE-SUB image (target image), the calcified cartilage layer is manifested as a high-signal strip. By outlining the ROI (Region of interest), its region can be accurately defined, that is, the region of interest is obtained. Then, the outlined region of interest is converted into a binary mask image, that is, mask information, for extracting the T2* value of the calcified cartilage layer.

[0065] Specifically, the steps of the outlining process are as follows:

[0066] Step 1: Load the UTE-SUB image: Use image processing software (such as MATLAB, ImageJ, ITK-SNAP, etc.) to load the UTE-SUB image.

[0067] Step 2: Manually or semi-automatically delineate the ROI: On the UTE-SUB image, delineate along the high-signal band of the calcified cartilage layer. When delineating, pay attention to avoiding the surrounding cartilage and subchondral bone areas to ensure that the ROI only contains the calcified cartilage layer; among them, manual delineation means delineating the ROI point by point on the UTE-SUB image using a mouse or stylus; semi-automatic delineation means using image processing algorithms (such as threshold segmentation, edge detection) to assist in delineating the ROI. It should be noted that when delineating the ROI, ensure accurate boundaries and avoid including non-calcified cartilage layers or subchondral bone areas in the ROI.

[0068] Step 3: Generate a mask: Mark the delineated ROI area as 1 (region of interest), and mark the remaining areas as 0 (background) to generate a binary mask image.

[0069] Step 4: Save the mask: Save the generated mask as an image file with the same size as the UTE-T2* quantitative map.

[0070] Step S14: Perform single-exponential fitting processing on all images to be processed to obtain a target quantitative map, and process the target quantitative map based on the position information and morphological information to obtain the quantitative information of the cartilage calcification layer, and obtain the target high-resolution image of the knee joint specimen to be imaged based on the quantitative information and the target image.

[0071] In this embodiment, the signal intensities of each pixel point in each image to be processed at different echo times are extracted to generate corresponding signal attenuation curves; a preset single-exponential equation is used to perform fitting processing on each signal attenuation curve to solve the corresponding quantitative value; the quantitative value is mapped to each pixel point to generate a target quantitative map.

[0072] Specifically, Step 1: Load multi-echo UTE images: Load four original UTE images (images to be processed) with TE = 0.2ms, 1.65ms, 3.01ms, and 4.37ms.

[0073] Step 2: Extract signal attenuation curves: For each pixel point, extract its signal intensities at the four TE times to form a signal attenuation curve. Among them, the preset single-exponential equation is ;

[0074] Among them, represents the echo time, represents the signal intensity at the echo time, represents the initial signal intensity when the echo time is zero, represents the transverse relaxation time, represents the correction term, specifically background noise or artifacts.

[0075] Step 3: Single-exponential fitting: Use the non-linear least squares method to perform single-exponential fitting on the signal decay curve, and solve for , , . The specific fitting formula is as follows:

[0076] ;

[0077] where represents the th actually measured signal value, represents the signal value predicted by the preset single-exponential equation, that is, , represents the total number of signal values, represents the relevant information of the th pixel point, represents the parameter set to be solved in the present invention. Specifically, .

[0078] In this way, using the known measurement data (multiple groups of and their corresponding ), solve for the , and values that minimize the sum of squared residuals through the non-linear least squares method.

[0079] Step 4: Generate T2* quantitative map: Map the fitted quantitative values to each pixel point to generate a T2* quantitative map.

[0080] Step 5: Save the T2* quantitative map: Save the generated T2* quantitative map as an image file for subsequent analysis.

[0081] In this embodiment, the masking information is multiplied by the target quantitative map to obtain the quantitative information of the cartilage calcified layer. It can be understood that the masking information obtained above is multiplied by the target quantitative map pixel by pixel to extract the T2* values of the calcified cartilage layer region. Specifically, each pixel point is judged: if the value of this pixel point in the masking information is 1, then retain the T2* value of the corresponding pixel point in the T2* quantitative map; if the value of this pixel point in the masking information is 0, then ignore the T2* value of the corresponding pixel point in the T2* quantitative map, and then generate a new image or data set based on the calculation results, only containing the T2* values of the calcified cartilage layer region. As Figure 4 shown, it is the calculated UTE-T2 quantitative image, which is used to display the T2* value distribution in different regions. The color changes in the figure (such as blue, yellow, red, etc.) represent different magnitudes of T2* values, thereby reflecting the relevant characteristics and structural information of tissues such as cartilage.

[0082] In this embodiment, T2 values of all non-zero pixel points are extracted from the multiplied result to form a T2 value dataset of the calcified cartilage layer. Specific steps: Traverse the multiplied image and extract all pixel points with non-zero values. Save the T2* values of these pixel points as a dataset. Further, perform statistical analysis on the extracted T2* value dataset to calculate parameters such as the average value and standard deviation (quantitative information). Specific steps: Calculate the average value of the T2* values of the calcified cartilage layer to reflect its overall mineralization degree. Calculate the standard deviation to evaluate the dispersion degree of the T2* values. According to needs, further analyze the distribution characteristics of the T2* values (such as histogram analysis). Through the statistical analysis of the T2* values, quantitatively evaluate the mineralization degree, tissue composition of the calcified cartilage layer and its changes in diseases. Combine the calculated quantitative information with the target image to jointly serve as the target high-resolution image characterizing the knee joint specimen to be imaged.

[0083] It can be seen that the present application discloses a method for imaging a cartilage calcification layer, including: obtaining a knee joint specimen to be imaged, and performing magnetic resonance scanning processing on the knee joint specimen to be imaged according to preset scanning parameters by a preset ultra-high field magnetic resonance scanner to obtain a corresponding number of images to be processed; using the image to be processed at the first echo time as the first image to be processed, and using the image to be processed at the second echo time as the second image to be processed; wherein, the first echo time and the second echo time are respectively the time signals for capturing the calcified cartilage and the time signals for attenuating the image background in each magnetic resonance scan imaging; performing dual echo subtraction processing on the first image to be processed and the second image to be processed to obtain a target image satisfying the preset high-resolution condition and including a cartilage calcification layer characterized by a high-signal strip, and determining the position information and morphological information of the cartilage calcification layer in the target image; performing single exponential fitting processing on all images to be processed to obtain a target quantitative map, and processing the target quantitative map based on the position information and morphological information to obtain the quantitative information of the cartilage calcification layer, and obtaining the target high-resolution image of the knee joint specimen to be imaged based on the quantitative information and the target image. Thus, through the ultra-high field magnetic resonance scanner and preset scanning parameters, a high-resolution image of the knee joint specimen can be obtained. Further, through dual echo subtraction processing, the background signal and noise are eliminated, and the high-signal strip of the calcified cartilage layer is highlighted, which is easy to identify and analyze. Through single exponential fitting processing, a target quantitative map is generated. In this way, by providing the target quantitative value of the calcified cartilage layer and combining it with the target image, not only the fine structure of the calcified cartilage layer can be clearly displayed, but also the mineralization degree, tissue composition and microstructure of the calcified cartilage layer can be accurately reflected.

[0084] Refer to Figure 5 As shown, the present invention also correspondingly discloses a device for imaging a cartilage calcification layer, including:

[0085] A scanning module 11, configured to obtain a knee joint specimen to be imaged, and perform magnetic resonance scanning processing on the knee joint specimen to be imaged according to preset scanning parameters by using a preset ultra-high field magnetic resonance scanner, so as to obtain a corresponding number of images to be processed;

[0086] An image screening module 12, configured to use the image to be processed at the first echo time as the first image to be processed, and use the image to be processed at the second echo time as the second image to be processed; wherein, the first echo time and the second echo time are respectively the time signals for capturing calcified cartilage and the time signals for attenuating the image background in each magnetic resonance scan imaging;

[0087] A first image processing module 13, configured to perform dual echo subtraction processing on the first image to be processed and the second image to be processed, so as to obtain a target image that meets the preset high-resolution condition and includes a calcified cartilage layer characterized by high signal strips, and determine the position information and morphological information of the calcified cartilage layer in the target image;

[0088] A second image processing module 14, configured to perform single exponential fitting processing on all images to be processed, so as to obtain a target quantitative map, and process the target quantitative map based on the position information and morphological information, so as to obtain the quantitative information of the calcified cartilage layer, and obtain the target high-resolution image of the knee joint specimen to be imaged based on the quantitative information and the target image.

[0089] It can be seen that the present application discloses obtaining a knee joint specimen to be imaged, and performing magnetic resonance scanning processing on the knee joint specimen to be imaged according to preset scanning parameters by a preset ultra-high field magnetic resonance scanner to obtain a corresponding number of images to be processed; taking the image to be processed at the first echo time as the first image to be processed, and taking the image to be processed at the second echo time as the second image to be processed; wherein, the first echo time and the second echo time are respectively the time signals for capturing calcified cartilage and the time signals for attenuating the image background in each magnetic resonance scanning imaging; performing dual echo subtraction processing on the first image to be processed and the second image to be processed to obtain a target image that meets the preset high-resolution condition and includes a calcified cartilage layer characterized by a high-signal strip, and determining the position information and morphological information of the calcified cartilage layer in the target image; performing single exponential fitting processing on all the images to be processed to obtain a target quantitative map, and processing the target quantitative map based on the position information and morphological information to obtain the quantitative information of the calcified cartilage layer, and obtaining the target high-resolution image of the knee joint specimen to be imaged based on the quantitative information and the target image. Thus, through the ultra-high field magnetic resonance scanner and preset scanning parameters, high-resolution images of the knee joint specimen can be obtained. Further, through dual echo subtraction processing, the background signal and noise are eliminated, and the high-signal strip of the calcified cartilage layer is highlighted, which is easy to identify and analyze. Through single exponential fitting processing, a target quantitative map is generated. In this way, by providing the target quantitative value of the calcified cartilage layer and combining the target image, not only the fine structure of the calcified cartilage layer can be clearly displayed, but also the mineralization degree, tissue composition and microstructure of the calcified cartilage layer can be accurately reflected.

[0090] Furthermore, the embodiment of the present application also discloses an electronic device. Figure 6 It is a structural diagram of an electronic device 20 shown according to an exemplary embodiment, and the content in the figure should not be regarded as any limitation on the scope of use of the present application.

[0091] Figure 6 It is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device 20 provided by an embodiment of the present application. The electronic device 20 may specifically include: at least one processor 21, at least one memory 22, a power supply 23, a communication interface 24, an input / output interface 25, and a communication bus 26. Among them, the memory 22 is used to store a computer program, and the computer program is loaded and executed by the processor 21 to implement the relevant steps in the method for imaging the calcified cartilage layer disclosed in any of the foregoing embodiments. In addition, the electronic device 20 in this embodiment may specifically be an electronic computer.

[0092] In this embodiment, the power supply 23 is used to provide operating voltages for each hardware device on the electronic device 20; the communication interface 24 can create a data transmission channel between the electronic device 20 and external devices, and the communication protocol it follows can be any communication protocol applicable to the technical solution of this application, and no specific limitation is imposed thereon herein; the input / output interface 25 is used to obtain external input data or output data to the outside, and the specific interface type thereof can be selected according to specific application requirements, and no specific limitation is imposed herein.

[0093] Among them, the processor 21 may include one or more processing cores, such as a quad-core processor, an octa-core processor, etc. The processor 21 may be implemented in at least one of the following hardware forms: DSP (Digital Signal Processing), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and PLA (Programmable Logic Array). The processor 21 may also include a main processor and a coprocessor. The main processor is a processor for processing data in the wake state, also known as the CPU (Central Processing Unit); the coprocessor is a low-power processor for processing data in the standby state. In some embodiments, the processor 21 may be integrated with a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and the GPU is responsible for rendering and drawing the content to be displayed on the display screen. In some embodiments, the processor 21 may further include an AI (Artificial Intelligence) processor, and the AI processor is used to process computational operations related to machine learning.

[0094] In addition, the memory 22, as a carrier for resource storage, may be a read-only memory, a random access memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disc, etc., and the resources stored thereon may include an operating system 221, a computer program 222, etc., and the storage method may be temporary storage or permanent storage.

[0095] Among them, the operating system 221 is used to manage and control each hardware device on the electronic device 20 and the computer program 222, so as to implement the operation and processing of the massive data 223 in the memory 22 by the processor 21. It can be Windows Server, Netware, Unix, Linux, etc. In addition to the computer program that can be used to complete the chondral calcified layer imaging method executed by the electronic device 20 disclosed in any of the foregoing embodiments, the computer program 222 may further include computer programs that can be used to complete other specific tasks. The data 223 may include not only the data transmitted by external devices received by the electronic device, but also the data collected by its own input / output interface 25, etc.

[0096] Furthermore, the present application also discloses a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program; wherein, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the chondral calcified layer imaging method disclosed above is implemented. For the specific steps of this method, reference may be made to the corresponding content disclosed in the foregoing embodiments, and details will not be repeated here.

[0097] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts among the various embodiments can be referred to each other. For the devices disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the methods disclosed in the embodiments, the description is relatively simple, and the relevant parts can be referred to the description of the method part.

[0098] Those skilled in the art may further realize that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in combination with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of the two. To clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software, the composition and steps of each example have been generally described according to functions in the above description. Whether these functions are executed in a hardware or software manner depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of this application. The steps of the methods or algorithms described in combination with the embodiments disclosed herein can be directly implemented by hardware, software modules executed by a processor, or a combination of the two. The software modules can be placed in a random access memory (RAM), internal memory, read-only memory (ROM), electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), registers, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), or any other form of storage medium well-known in the technical field.

[0099] Finally, it should also be noted that in this document, relational terms such as first and second are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the term "comprising", "including" or any other variant thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device comprising a series of elements not only includes those elements, but also includes other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. Without further limitation, an element defined by the statement "comprising an..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article or device comprising the element.

[0100] The above has introduced the solution provided by the present invention in detail. Specific examples are used herein to elaborate on the principles and implementation manners of the present invention. The description of the above embodiments is only used to help understand the method and its core idea of the present invention; at the same time, for those of ordinary skill in the art, according to the idea of the present invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation manners and application scopes. In summary, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for imaging a cartilage calcification layer, characterized in that: include: Acquire a knee joint specimen to be imaged, and perform magnetic resonance scanning on the knee joint specimen to be imaged according to preset scanning parameters using a preset ultra-high field magnetic resonance scanner to obtain a corresponding plurality of images to be processed; The image to be processed at the first echo time is used as the first image to be processed, and the image to be processed at the second echo time is used as the second image to be processed; wherein the first echo time and the second echo time are respectively a time signal for capturing calcified cartilage and a time signal for attenuating image background in each magnetic resonance scanning imaging; Performing double echo subtraction processing on the first image to be processed and the second image to be processed to obtain a target image that meets a preset high-resolution condition and includes a cartilage calcification layer characterized by a high-signal strip, and determining position information and morphological information of the cartilage calcification layer in the target image; Single exponential fitting processing is performed on all images to be processed to obtain a target quantitative map, and the target quantitative map is processed based on the position information and morphological information to obtain quantitative information of the cartilage calcification layer, and a target high-resolution image of the knee joint specimen to be imaged is obtained based on the quantitative information and the target image.

2. The method for imaging cartilage calcification layer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method of performing magnetic resonance scanning on the knee joint specimen to be imaged according to preset scanning parameters by using a preset ultra-high field magnetic resonance scanner to obtain a corresponding plurality of images to be processed includes: The scanning bed height of the preset ultra-high field magnetic resonance scanner is adjusted based on the placement position parameters to place the knee joint specimen to be imaged at the center of the magnet, and a multi-echo UTE scan is performed on the knee joint specimen to be imaged according to the preset scanning parameters and using a single-loop coil to obtain a corresponding number of images to be processed.

3. The method for imaging cartilage calcification layer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The determining the position information and morphological information of the cartilage calcification layer in the target image includes: Delineating the image region where the cartilage calcification layer is located in the target image to obtain a region of interest; The region of interest is binarized to obtain mask information representing position information and morphological information of the cartilage calcification layer.

4. The method for imaging cartilage calcification layer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The step of processing the target quantitative image based on the position information and the morphological information to obtain the quantitative information of the cartilage calcification layer includes: The mask information is multiplied with the target quantitative map to obtain quantitative information of the cartilage calcification layer.

5. The method for imaging cartilage calcification layer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The single exponential fitting process is performed on all the images to be processed to obtain the target quantitative map, including: Extracting the signal intensity of each pixel in each of the to-be-processed images at different echo times to generate a corresponding signal attenuation curve; Using a preset single exponential equation to fit each of the signal attenuation curves to solve the corresponding quantitative value; The quantitative values ​​are mapped to each pixel point to generate a target quantitative map.

6. The method for imaging cartilage calcification layer according to claim 5, characterized in that: The preset single exponential equation is: ； in, represents the echo time, Indicates the signal strength at the echo time. represents the initial signal strength when the echo time is zero, represents the transverse relaxation time, Represents the correction term.

7. The method for imaging cartilage calcification layer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The first echo time is 0.2 milliseconds, and the second echo time is 3.01 milliseconds.

8. A cartilage calcification layer imaging device, characterized in that: include: A scanning module is used to obtain a knee joint specimen to be imaged, and perform magnetic resonance scanning processing on the knee joint specimen to be imaged according to preset scanning parameters using a preset ultra-high field magnetic resonance scanner to obtain a corresponding number of images to be processed; An image screening module, used to use the image to be processed at the first echo time as the first image to be processed, and use the image to be processed at the second echo time as the second image to be processed; wherein the first echo time and the second echo time are respectively a time signal for capturing calcified cartilage and a time signal for attenuating image background in each magnetic resonance scanning imaging; a first image processing module, configured to perform double echo subtraction processing on the first image to be processed and the second image to be processed, so as to obtain a target image that meets a preset high-resolution condition and includes a cartilage calcification layer characterized by a high-signal strip, and to determine position information and morphological information of the cartilage calcification layer in the target image; The second image processing module is used to perform single exponential fitting processing on all images to be processed to obtain a target quantitative image, and process the target quantitative image based on the position information and morphological information to obtain quantitative information of the cartilage calcification layer, and obtain a target high-resolution image of the knee joint specimen to be imaged based on the quantitative information and the target image.

9. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: Memory, used to store computer programs; A processor, configured to execute the computer program to implement the steps of the cartilage calcification layer imaging method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: Used to store a computer program; wherein, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the cartilage calcification layer imaging method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 are implemented.

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