Method of providing images of a diagnostic region of interest of a jaw site and magnetic resonance apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for providing an image of a diagnostically relevant region of a jaw region of a patient by means of a magnetic resonance device, the method having the following steps: detecting (S1) information about the jaw region of the patient, the information comprising at least one indication of the position and / or extent of a diagnostically relevant region of the jaw region; adapting (S5) parameters of a magnetic resonance measurement in accordance with the detected information about the jaw region of the patient; performing (S7) a magnetic resonance measurement with the adapted parameters and detecting image data of the jaw region of the patient; reconstructing (S8) an image of the diagnostically relevant region of the jaw region from the detected image data; and providing (S9) the image of the diagnostically relevant region of the jaw region of the patient. The invention also relates to a magnetic resonance device comprising a computing unit (28), the computing unit being configured to coordinate and perform the above-mentioned method by means of the magnetic resonance device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for providing images of a diagnostically relevant region of a patient's jaw using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device. The invention also relates to an MRI device comprising a computing unit configured to coordinate and execute the method according to the invention using the MRI device. Background Technology

[0002] Diseases of the teeth and periodontal tissues, such as dental caries or periodontitis, are now commonly diagnosed using X-ray-based imaging methods. Conventional or digital X-ray projection methods are primarily used, and more recently, three-dimensional X-ray methods have also been employed. An example of a three-dimensional X-ray method is digital volumetric tomography, which can be used for imaging teeth and the facial skull.

[0003] A major drawback of X-ray methods is the reliance on ionizing radiation for imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) avoids ionizing beams. MRI typically provides better soft tissue contrast than X-ray methods and supports standard three-dimensional imaging of the subject. MRI can also image cysts and identify dentin degradation, which were previously identifiable by X-ray methods. Therefore, MRI is a potential alternative to known X-ray methods for imaging the entire set of teeth and / or the jaw region, and for diagnosing dental lesions.

[0004] Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a known imaging method that can generate magnetic resonance images of the interior of an object being examined. To perform MRI, the object is typically positioned within a strong, static, and uniform fundamental magnetic field (B0 field) of the MRI apparatus. The fundamental magnetic field can have a strength of 0.2 Tesla to 7 Tesla, causing the nuclear spins of the object to align along the fundamental magnetic field. To trigger so-called nuclear spin resonance, a radio frequency signal, a so-called excitation pulse (B1 field), is incident on the object. Each excitation pulse causes the magnetization of a specific nuclear spin of the object to deviate from the fundamental magnetic field by a certain amount, known as the flip angle. The excitation pulse can here have an alternating magnetic field with a frequency corresponding to the Larmor frequency at the corresponding static magnetic field strength. The excited nuclear spins can have rotating and decaying magnetization (nuclear spin resonance), which can be detected as a magnetic resonance signal using a specific antenna. To spatially encode the nuclear spin resonance of the object, a gradient magnetic field can be superimposed on the fundamental magnetic field.

[0005] The received magnetic resonance signal is typically digitized and stored as a complex value in a k-space matrix as image data. This k-space matrix serves as the basis for reconstructing the magnetic resonance image and determining the spectral data. Magnetic resonance image reconstruction is typically performed using a multidimensional Fourier transform of the k-space matrix.

[0006] Because it avoids ionizing radiation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is particularly well-suited for continuous diagnostic monitoring of dental lesions and / or tooth development within the scope of longitudinal imaging studies. In longitudinal imaging studies, multiple imaging examinations are typically performed to determine lesion progression or treatment success over predetermined time periods.

[0007] To date, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans have primarily been performed in radiological settings by qualified medical personnel, such as radiologists or radiology assistants. However, the lack of such qualified personnel in dental clinics and facilities presents significant barriers to the autonomous preparation and execution of MRI measurements, as well as the interpretation of MRI images. Furthermore, the execution of MRI measurements is often associated with high time consumption, which can be problematic for the daily patient volume of such institutions. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, the object of this invention is to simplify dental imaging for diagnosis using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Another object is to improve the efficiency of performing MRI measurements of the jaw region in patients.

[0009] The stated objective is achieved through the subject matter of embodiments of the present invention. Advantageous implementation methods and improvements that meet the objectives are the subject matter of embodiments of the present invention.

[0010] The method according to the present invention for providing images of a diagnostically relevant region of a patient's jaw area by means of a magnetic resonance imaging device includes the following steps:

[0011] • Detect information about the patient's jaw region, including at least one marker (Hinweis) indicating the location and / or extent of the diagnostically relevant area of ​​the jaw region.

[0012] • Adjust the parameters of the MRI measurement based on the information detected about the patient's jaw area.

[0013] • Perform magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements with adjusted parameters and detect image data of the patient's jaw region; • Reconstruct images of diagnostically relevant areas of the jaw region based on the detected image data; and

[0014] • Provides images of the diagnostic-related areas of the patient's jaw region.

[0015] The diagnostically relevant area of ​​the jaw region can be a portion of the jaw region itself, such as teeth, segments of teeth, multiple teeth, dental arches, gingiva, tooth roots, the entire set of teeth, the jawbone, the temporomandibular joint, etc. It is conceivable that the diagnostically relevant area of ​​the jaw region has lesions and / or abnormalities, such as growth retardation, growth malformation, or malocclusion. Typical examples of lesions in the jaw region are periodontitis, dental caries, or inflammation of the tooth roots. The patient's jaw region may include at least the patient's maxilla, mandible, and temporomandibular joint. Preferably, the volume of the jaw region substantially corresponds to the volume occupied by the patient's maxilla, mandible, and temporomandibular joint.

[0016] Information about a patient's jaw region can include, for example, diagnostic findings. Diagnostic findings may specifically include a description of the location and / or extent of a lesion. Information about a patient's jaw region may also include image data, such as X-ray images and / or MRI images from previous imaging examinations of the patient. Detecting such image data may include retrieving or receiving information from a medical information system or from internal or external storage units via an interface. It is also conceivable that detecting information about the jaw region may include detecting optical image data of the patient's entire set of teeth using a camera and / or performing locator measurements for detecting locator image data using an MRI device. Detecting information about the jaw region may also include applying image processing algorithms. Such image processing algorithms may be configured to determine the location and / or extent of a diagnostically relevant region of the jaw region based on image data and / or images of the jaw region. The location of the diagnostically relevant region of the jaw region may specifically include the relative orientation of the lesion to the patient's jaw region and / or an indication of the lesion's involvement in the teeth and / or dental arches. Correspondingly, the extent of the diagnostic-related region in the jaw region can describe the volume and / or area involved by the lesion in the jaw region. In addition to lesions, the diagnostic-related region can of course also have other diagnostic-related aspects, such as tooth developmental abnormalities, malocclusion, accidental injuries, etc.

[0017] The parameters of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurement can be, in particular, imaging parameters such as image resolution, contrast, slice thickness, and image volume size. It is also conceivable that the parameters of an MRI measurement include a set of imaging parameters, imaging sequences, and / or the order of imaging sequences. The parameters can also include arbitrary settings for the MRI measurement and / or the termination of the MRI measurement. It is conceivable that the parameters of the MRI measurement can be adjusted based on detected information about the patient's jaw region.

[0018] Performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements may include executing one or more imaging sequences. This includes image data of the patient's jaw region. Performing MRI measurements preferably includes imaging sequences that implement imaging adjustments for the teeth. Possible imaging sequences may, for example, have very short echo times to compensate for the short T2 relaxation time of the tooth's dentin or enamel spin and to display the region in the image data in terms of signal intensity. Very short echo times may, for example, be less than 150 μs or less than 70 μs. Possible imaging sequences are, for example, FLASH (fast low-angle shot) or UTE (ultra-short echo time) sequences. However, it is also conceivable to use imaging sequences with longer echo times, such as TSE (turbo spin echo) sequences. In the case of such sequences, the detection of MRI signals in the enamel or dentin can be avoided. In the image data of such imaging sequences, teeth can be distinguished, for example, by comparing the missing signal intensity with surrounding tissues. Preferably, image data is detected using one or more antenna elements positioned at the patient's jaw region. The antenna element or antenna elements are particularly designed to receive magnetic resonance signals from the jaw region and transmit them to the receiving unit of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device. Preferably, MRI measurements are performed with adjusted parameters to detect image data, particularly of diagnostically relevant areas of the jaw region. This may mean that the imaging volume of the MRI measurement is limited or constrained based on information about the jaw region.

[0019] In particular, images of the diagnostically relevant region of the jaw region can be reconstructed using the computing unit of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device. Preferably, the image is restricted or limited to the diagnostically relevant region of the jaw region during reconstruction based on information about the jaw region. It is conceivable that image data outside the diagnostically relevant region of the jaw region may be faded or removed during image reconstruction. Similarly, it is conceivable that the detected image data has been correspondingly restricted to the diagnostically relevant region of the patient's jaw region using adjusted MRI measurement parameters. In this case, images of the diagnostically relevant region of the jaw region can be reconstructed based on the detected image data of the patient's jaw region.

[0020] Providing images of the diagnostically relevant areas of a patient's jaw region preferably includes storing the images at least on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, the storage unit of a medical information system, and / or the cloud. It is also conceivable that the images of the diagnostically relevant areas are output to the user of the MRI device via an output unit. The output unit may include, for example, a monitor, a touchscreen, a printer, etc. The user may be, for example, a physician, particularly a dentist, and / or a medical technology assistant or a member of a dental clinic. The user may be located at the location of the MRI device, but may also be located at any other location. The user may be located, for example, in another city, another federal state, and / or another country, and perform a remote diagnosis of the images of the diagnostically relevant areas of the patient's jaw region. It is also conceivable that the images of the diagnostically relevant areas of the patient's jaw region are provided to a program or algorithm (e.g., a "virtual radiologist") configured to classify the image content, make a diagnosis, and / or recommend treatment. Any patient information that is helpful or necessary for diagnosing the diagnostically relevant areas of the patient's jaw region may also be provided to the user and / or the algorithm.

[0021] By means of the method according to the invention, image data detected by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be limited or confined to a diagnostically relevant area of ​​the patient's jaw region. This provides an individualized image limited to the volume and / or segment of the patient's jaw region that is diagnostically necessary. This advantageously avoids displaying areas that are typically beyond the dentist's expertise. This reduces or avoids the risk of misdiagnosis due to findings outside the dentist's area of ​​expertise. Furthermore, the time spent performing MRI measurements can be advantageously reduced by limiting the detected image data to the diagnostically relevant area of ​​the jaw region.

[0022] In one embodiment of the method according to the invention, detecting information about the patient's jaw region includes detecting:

[0023] • Optical image data of the patient's complete set of teeth,

[0024] • X-ray images of the patient's jaw area

[0025] • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images of the patient's jaw region, and / or

[0026] • Positioner image data of the patient's jaw area.

[0027] As described above, X-ray and / or MRI images of the patient's jaw region can, in particular, be derived from previous imaging examinations and read from or received from a storage unit via an interface. However, it is also conceivable that MRI images of the patient's jaw region can be detected using MRI measurements. Preferably, locator measurements of the patient's jaw region are performed for this purpose. Locator measurements can be understood as time-efficient MRI measurements in which locator image data of the patient's jaw region is detected. Compared to conventional MRI measurements, locator measurements may have limitations regarding the quality and / or spatial resolution of the detected locator image data. However, preferably, locator measurements provide spatial resolution suitable for detecting and / or identifying anatomical structures such as teeth, dental arches, jawbones, etc. Locator measurements may also include projection measurements. Projection measurements can be MRI measurements in which spatial coding in a spatial direction is omitted. The locator image data can therefore include two-dimensional projection images of the three-dimensional imaging volume of the patient's jaw region. It is also conceivable that the locator image data includes images of locator measurements recorded during previous MRI measurements.

[0028] Optical image data of a patient's complete set of teeth is preferably detected using a camera, such as a 2D camera, a 3D camera, and / or an infrared camera, when detecting information about the jaw region. However, it is also conceivable, as described above, that the optical image data can be retrieved or received from a database or storage unit.

[0029] In one embodiment, detecting information about the patient's jaw region includes at least detecting locator image data and X-ray and / or magnetic resonance images of the patient's jaw region, wherein the X-ray and / or magnetic resonance images are registered with the locator image data. In particular, a relationship can be established between a diagnostically relevant region of the jaw region and the patient's full set of teeth and / or multiple teeth in the jaw region. This can advantageously simplify the location and / or relative position of lesions in parts or segments of the patient's jaw region, such as the relative position of healthy teeth to diseased teeth and / or the relative position of diseased teeth to the dental arc of the jaw region. The locator image data can also be detected when registered with other image data and / or other images having lower spatial resolution and / or reduced quality, thereby advantageously reducing the time required to perform the method according to the invention. Of course, previous and / or current magnetic resonance measurements can also be registered with optical image data or X-ray images to establish a relationship between a diagnostically relevant region of the jaw region and the patient's full set of teeth and / or multiple teeth in the jaw region.

[0030] By detecting one or more of the information regarding the jaw region, the location and / or extent of the diagnostically relevant region of the jaw region can be determined with greater precision. Consequently, the imaging volume and / or image reconstruction of the magnetic resonance measurement can be advantageously and with greater precision limited to the diagnostically relevant region of the jaw region.

[0031] In another embodiment of the method according to the invention, detecting information about the patient's jaw region includes detecting optical image data of the patient's entire set of teeth, wherein parameters of the magnetic resonance measurement are adjusted and / or images of diagnostically relevant areas of the jaw region are reconstructed based on the optical image data.

[0032] Preferably, as described above, optical image data of the patient's entire set of teeth is detected using a camera. It is conceivable that the patient opens their mouth so that the camera can be properly aligned with the entire set of teeth. It is also conceivable that multiple images of the entire set of teeth are recorded by the camera at different opening angles of the patient's maxilla and mandible. Preferably, the camera is a digital camera that transmits the optical image data of the entire set of teeth to the computing unit and / or storage unit of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device via a wired or wireless signal connection. It is also conceivable that existing optical image data is read from a database and / or internal or external storage units. The computing unit may have an image processing algorithm that identifies and / or labels anatomical structures, such as teeth, dental arches, jawbones, etc. It is conceivable that the image processing algorithm determines the absolute location of the diagnostically relevant region and / or the relative location of the diagnostically relevant region with respect to the anatomical structures of the jaw region. The computing unit and / or the image processing algorithm may also be configured to determine parameters for MRI measurements based on the absolute location of the diagnostically relevant region and / or the relative location of the diagnostically relevant region with respect to the anatomical structures of the jaw region. The parameters of the magnetic resonance measurement can be determined in such a way that the time required to perform the magnetic resonance measurement is reduced and / or the imaging volume of the magnetic resonance measurement is limited to the diagnostically relevant region.

[0033] In one example, the computing unit determines the imaging parameters for the magnetic resonance measurement such that the imaging volume is substantially confined to the diagnostically relevant region of the jaw area. In another example, the relative position of the patient to the magnetic resonance apparatus is adjusted using a patient support device so that the diagnostically relevant region of the jaw area is aligned with the imaging volume of the magnetic resonance apparatus. It is also conceivable that the computing unit determines the position of local coils and / or antenna elements such that the reception of the magnetic resonance signal is substantially confined to the diagnostically relevant region of the jaw area.

[0034] In one embodiment, detecting optical image data of a patient's entire set of teeth includes detecting the position of at least one marker located at the patient's jaw region, wherein parameters of the magnetic resonance measurement are adjusted based on the position of the at least one marker. Preferably, the at least one marker is an optical marker having color, material, and / or reflective properties that enable identification of the at least one optical marker and / or differentiation of the at least one optical marker from the patient's jaw region based on the optical image data using an image processing algorithm. The at least one marker may in particular comprise a magnetically active material, such as capsule-form vitamin D, vitamin E, and / or cod liver oil, which is positioned by the user at a diagnostically relevant area of ​​the jaw region during preparation for the magnetic resonance measurement. It is also conceivable that the at least one marker is connected to a dedicated local coil positioned intraorally at a diagnostically relevant area of ​​the jaw region. The at least one marker can here be detected and positioned, particularly by means of locator measurement and / or magnetic resonance measurement. As described above, the position of the at least one marker can be used to register the optical image data of the entire set of teeth with locator image data.

[0035] By detecting optical image data, the relative positions of the patient's jaw region and diagnostic-related areas can be detected in a time-efficient manner. This advantageously reduces the time required for the method according to the invention.

[0036] In one embodiment, the method according to the present invention further comprises the following steps:

[0037] • Adjust the model of the patient's jaw region based on the detected information about the jaw region.

[0038] This involves adjusting the parameters of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements based on a model of the jaw region and / or reconstructing images of diagnostically relevant areas of the jaw region.

[0039] Models of the jaw region can include precise or simplified representations of the patient's jaw region. In particular, models of the jaw region can include information about the structural anatomy of the patient's jaw region. For example, a model may have a temporomandibular joint, jaw, dental arch, two dental arches, and / or individual teeth positioned substantially in anatomically correct orientations. The model can also simulate the mechanical or biomechanical properties of the patient's jaw region and / or be adjusted to correspond to the mechanical properties of the patient's jaw region.

[0040] Preferably, the model of the jaw region can be adjusted based on image data and / or images, such as optical image data, locator image data, X-ray images, and / or magnetic resonance images, so that the individualized shape of the patient's jaw and / or the individualized arrangement of the teeth can be calibrated using the model. The computing unit can perform registration of the image data and / or images with the model of the jaw region for this purpose. Preferably, the position of the anatomical structures in the model of the jaw region is coordinated with the anatomical structures contained in the image data and / or images, so that the model of the jaw region includes a representation of the patient's jaw region. In particular, diagnostically relevant regions of the jaw region can also be transferred to and / or registered with the model of the jaw region. It is conceivable that the parameters of the magnetic resonance measurements and / or the images of the diagnostically relevant regions of the jaw region can be reconstructed based on the model of the patient's jaw region.

[0041] A model of the patient's jaw region can be used not only to limit MRI measurements to the diagnostically relevant areas of the jaw region, but also to correct for patient movement during MRI measurements. For example, the detected movement of the patient's mandible can be calibrated and taken into account when reconstructing images of the diagnostically relevant areas using a model of the jaw region. This can improve the quality of the reconstructed images and / or advantageously avoid duplication of MRI measurements.

[0042] According to another embodiment of the method according to the invention, detecting information about the patient's jaw region further includes determining the relative positions of a first anatomical structure of the patient's jaw region and a second anatomical structure of the patient's jaw region, wherein the parameters of the magnetic resonance measurement are adjusted based on the relative positions of the first anatomical structure of the patient's jaw region and the second anatomical structure of the patient's jaw region.

[0043] As described above, the anatomical structures of the jaw region may include teeth, dental arches, jaws, etc. Preferably, the relative positions of the first and second anatomical structures of the patient's jaw region are determined based on optical image data, locator image data, X-ray images, and / or magnetic resonance images. It is conceivable that the image processing algorithm of the computational unit identifies anatomical structures, such as the patient's first and second teeth, in the image data and / or images, and determines the relative positions of the first and second teeth. It is also conceivable that the first and second anatomical structures of the patient's jaw region are first registered with a model of the jaw region based on the image data and / or images. Subsequently, the relative positions of the first and second anatomical structures of the patient's jaw region can be determined based on the model of the jaw region. The relative positions of the first and second anatomical structures of the patient's jaw region can be characterized, in particular, by size, one coordinate, and / or multiple coordinates. The first and second anatomical structures of the patient's jaw region can here be, in particular, portions or segments of the jaw region with diagnostically relevant areas. It is conceivable that the first anatomical structure and the second anatomical structure of the patient's jaw region are separate or non-intersecting segments of the patient's jaw region.

[0044] Based on the relative positions of multiple separate diagnostic-relevant regions in the patient's jaw region, it can be determined whether to detect image data of the diagnostic-relevant regions of the jaw region using a single imaging sequence with a large imaging volume or multiple imaging sequences with smaller, separate imaging volumes. This allows for a more advantageous improvement in the time efficiency of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements based on the individualized distribution of the diagnostic-relevant regions.

[0045] In another embodiment of the method according to the invention, a plurality of single slices are determined in a diagnostically relevant region of the jaw region based on information about the patient's jaw region, wherein the parameters of the magnetic resonance measurement are adjusted according to the plurality of single slices and wherein performing the magnetic resonance measurement includes detecting image data of the plurality of single slices.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, detecting information about the patient's jaw region includes detecting locator image data of the patient's jaw region using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device. It is conceivable that markers of MRI activity are positioned at diagnostically relevant regions of the jaw region to identify these regions in the locator image data. It is also conceivable that the locator image data be registered with optical image data, MRI images, X-ray images, and / or a model of the jaw region, the locator image data containing information about the location of the diagnostically relevant regions. Based on the locator image data, the location of distributed or separated segments of the jaw region with diagnostically relevant regions can be determined, in particular. It is conceivable that the diagnostically relevant regions have a small spatial extent but are relatively far apart from each other. The ratio of the spatial extent of a first diagnostically relevant region to the distance from a second diagnostically relevant region may, for example, be less than 1.5, less than 1, less than 0.5, or less than 0.1. In this case, the patient's jaw region and / or the diagnostically relevant regions of the jaw region can be divided into multiple single slices, for which separate imaging sequences are performed when detecting image data. Preferably, when adjusting the parameters of the magnetic resonance measurement, imaging parameters are adjusted for each of the multiple single slices, such as imaging volume, slice thickness, resolution, etc., and these imaging parameters are then used to detect image data of the multiple single slices during the magnetic resonance measurement.

[0047] Multiple single slices can be defined such that diagnostically relevant areas of the jaw region, such as teeth or multiple adjacent teeth, are detected by a common imaging volume measured by magnetic resonance. Other anatomical structures of the patient's jaw region are preferably excluded from the imaging volume. The dimensions of the imaging volume can therefore essentially include the dimensions of one or more of the patient's teeth. However, it is also conceivable that multiple single slices define two, three, or more non-overlapping imaging volumes. When performing magnetic resonance measurements, image data of multiple non-overlapping imaging volumes are preferably detected by means of multiple imaging sequences.

[0048] In another embodiment, detecting information about the patient's jaw region includes detecting optical image data of the patient's jaw region using a camera. It is conceivable that optically active markers are positioned at diagnostically relevant areas of the jaw region to identify these areas in the locator image data.

[0049] By identifying multiple single slices, the time efficiency of magnetic resonance measurements can be improved in an advantageous manner compared to conventional methods, wherein image data is detected during the magnetic resonance measurement for the multiple single slices, in which the imaging volume includes the entire jaw region of the patient in a conventional method.

[0050] In one embodiment of the method according to the invention, adjusting the parameters of the magnetic resonance measurement includes at least:

[0051] • Adjust the imaging parameters of imaging magnetic resonance measurements.

[0052] • Limit the imaging volume of the magnetic resonance measurement to the diagnostically relevant region, and / or

[0053] • Adjust the sampling frequency in the direction of phase encoding.

[0054] Imaging parameters for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements may include, for example, resolution, image volume size, image volume orientation, image volume location, slice thickness, excitation pulse frequency, and excitation pulse duration. Preferably, when adjusting the MRI measurement parameters, the image volume is at least aligned with the diagnostically relevant region of the jaw area. This may mean setting the location and / or orientation of the image volume such that it is substantially clipped to the diagnostically relevant region. It is conceivable that, when adapting the image volume to the diagnostically relevant region, the proportion of anatomical structures outside the diagnostically relevant region within the image volume is reduced or minimized. It is also conceivable to adjust the imaging parameters for multiple imaging sequences of MRI measurements. The imaging sequences may here detect image data of dedicated single-slice images with diagnostically relevant regions. Furthermore, adjusting the MRI measurement parameters may also include adjusting phase encoding and / or frequency encoding. Adjusting the MRI measurement parameters may, for example, include reducing the sampling frequency in the direction of phase encoding. However, such a reduction in sampling frequency (Field of View) may lead to folding artifacts. It is conceivable that the corresponding folding artifacts can be estimated by modeling the tissue type and its extent of extension within the enclosing volume. In one embodiment, folding artifacts are avoided based on a mechanical or biomechanical model of the jaw region, as described above.

[0055] By adjusting the imaging parameters of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the imaging volume can be adapted to the diagnostically relevant region of the jaw. This allows for advantageous focusing of the MRI images onto the lesioned area of ​​the jaw, thereby reducing the time required to perform the MRI measurement. In particular, the speed of image data acquisition can be increased by reducing the sampling frequency in the phase-encoding direction. Furthermore, the reduced duration of the MRI measurement also helps to minimize the impact of patient movement on the image data.

[0056] In another embodiment of the method according to the invention, performing magnetic resonance measurements includes at least based on detected information about the patient's jaw region.

[0057] • At least one antenna element is selected from a plurality of antenna elements, wherein image data of the jaw region is detected by means of at least one selected antenna element.

[0058] • By means of selective stimulation of diagnostically relevant areas in the jaw region using excitation pulses, and / or

[0059] • By sending saturation pulses, nuclear spins in regions outside the imaging volume are saturated.

[0060] It is conceivable that during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements, magnetic resonance signals from the patient's jaw region are received using a dedicated dental coil positioned at the patient's jaw region. The dental coil may have one or more antenna elements, which are locally positioned at a diagnostically relevant area of ​​the patient's jaw region. Preferably, the dental coil has multiple antenna elements that receive MRI signals from the entire jaw region of the patient. Based on determined information about the patient's jaw region, at least one antenna element, particularly two or more, can be selected from the multiple antenna elements positioned at the diagnostically relevant area of ​​the jaw region. Image data of the patient's jaw region can be detected correspondingly using one or more selected antenna elements. However, it is also conceivable that the detected MRI signals from the multiple antenna elements are weighted based on the detected information about the jaw region. This can mean excluding MRI signals from antenna elements whose receiving areas are outside the diagnostically relevant area of ​​the patient's jaw region. It is also conceivable that the contribution of such antenna elements to the image of the patient's diagnostically relevant jaw region be ignored.

[0061] In another example, the antenna element of the dental coil also serves to excite the jaw region. The antenna element can radiate radiofrequency excitation pulses into the patient's jaw region to excite nuclear spins within it. It is conceivable that the volume of the jaw region excited by the antenna element is related to the position, orientation, and / or shape of the antenna element. By appropriately selecting antenna elements positioned near the diagnostically relevant area of ​​the jaw region, the excitation of tissues in the jaw region can be selectively limited to the diagnostically relevant area. In particular, the antenna elements can be selected based on the excitation configuration (Anregungsprofilen) of the individual antenna elements and / or arrays of antenna elements. This excitation configuration can be retrieved, for example, from the memory cell of the magnetic resonance imaging device or determined by reference measurements. Selective excitation of the diagnostically relevant area of ​​the jaw region preferably involves transmitting multidimensional excitation pulses. Multidimensional excitation pulses can be characterized, in particular, by excitation volumes of complex geometries and / or the superposition of excitation volumes of multiple antenna elements.

[0062] It is also conceivable that performing magnetic resonance measurements involves saturating nuclear spins in a region outside the imaging volume by transmitting saturation pulses. This can mean, in particular, that an antenna element transmitting saturation pulses, the excitation volume or excitation configuration of which is located outside the diagnostically relevant region of the jaw region. Repeated saturation pulses can be delivered at time intervals shorter than the T1 relaxation time of the tissue to be saturated outside the imaging volume. The tissue to be saturated can be, in particular, tissue of the tongue, cheek, and / or palate. The tissue to be saturated can also be soft tissue in the patient's jaw region.

[0063] By selecting antenna elements, and selectively stimulating tissues in the jaw region, the detected image data can be limited to the diagnostically relevant area of ​​the jaw region with particularly low cost. Similarly, signals from anatomical structures outside the diagnostically relevant area of ​​the jaw region can be advantageously manipulated by transmitting saturation pulses. This allows for the detection of diagnostically relevant image data of the jaw region using the established imaging sequence, which advantageously simplifies the comparability and / or diagnosis of images of the diagnostically relevant areas of the jaw region from different patients.

[0064] In another embodiment, the method according to the invention further includes the following steps:

[0065] • Based on detected information about the patient's jaw region, a display of the patient's jaw region is provided via an output unit, wherein the display of the jaw region has at least two portions, each of which includes a portion of the volume of the patient's jaw region, and at least one portion includes at least a portion of a diagnostically relevant region.

[0066] • User input to the detection magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, wherein the user input includes selecting at least one site of the patient's jaw region for display, and wherein the parameters of the MRI measurement are adjusted and / or the MRI measurement is performed based on the user input.

[0067] The display of the patient's jaw region may, in particular, include a virtual mapping of the jaw region or a segment thereof. The virtual mapping may, for example, include a schematic representation of the jaw region, optical image data of the jaw region, and / or a locator image reconstructed from locator image data. However, it is also conceivable to establish a display of the patient's jaw region based on magnetic resonance imaging, X-ray images, or models of the patient's jaw region. Preferably, the display of the jaw region has at least one schematic representation of a portion of the upper dental arch and / or a portion of the lower dental arch.

[0068] The display of the jaw region is further divided into at least two regions, each comprising a portion of the patient's jaw region. However, it is also conceivable that the display of the jaw region may be divided into more than two, four, or six regions. Here, at least one region contains a diagnostically relevant area of ​​the patient's jaw region. "Region" can be understood here as a portion of the jaw region, which includes at least one segment or part of the jaw region. The diagnostically relevant area can be schematically represented in the display of the jaw region, for example, as symbols, letters, numbers, etc. It is also conceivable that the display of the jaw region includes image data and / or images of the jaw region, in which the diagnostically relevant area is segmented and / or marked. Preferably, the display of the patient's jaw region is designed as part of a graphical user interface capable of user interaction with the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device.

[0069] Detecting user input can, for example, include detecting user selection of a body part. For this purpose, the user can select the body part on a graphical user interface using any input device, such as a mouse, keyboard, or touchscreen. It is also conceivable that detecting user input includes selecting multiple displayed body parts of the jaw. Preferably, at least one of the selected body parts comprises a diagnostically relevant region of the patient's jaw.

[0070] Preferably, the parameters of the magnetic resonance measurement and / or the magnetic resonance measurement are adjusted according to the selected site or the selected site. This can mean adjusting the imaging volume of the magnetic resonance measurement so that the imaging volume is coordinated with one or more sites selected by the user. Similarly, it is conceivable that the volume of the jaw region excited by excitation pulses is coordinated with one or more selected sites.

[0071] In one implementation, a compensation volume is determined based on one or more selected sites, the compensation volume including the selected site or sites. The compensation volume may be larger than and encompass the volume determined by the selected site or sites. Preferably, the compensation volume is determined by means of a safety factor multiplied by the volume of the selected site or sites. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements can be adjusted and / or performed accordingly based on the compensation volume. By using the compensation volume, it is advantageous to reduce or avoid shearing of a portion of the diagnostically relevant area of ​​the jaw region due to patient movement, but it is also advantageous to reduce or avoid folding artifacts and / or misregistration of image data and / or images containing detected image data.

[0072] By detecting user input regarding the selection of areas from which image data to be detected, the diagnostic relevance region can be advantageously expanded to several areas that the user considers diagnostically relevant. Furthermore, performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements can also temporarily broaden the scope to areas where diagnostic relevance is unclear. This occurs when other areas with lesions are identified during the detection of optical and / or locator image data.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, adjusting the parameters of the magnetic resonance measurement includes determining the desired position of the antenna element based on detected information about the jaw region and / or user input, the method further comprising the following steps:

[0074] • The antenna element is positioned at the patient's jaw region according to the desired location, wherein performing magnetic resonance measurements includes detecting image data of the patient's jaw region by means of the positioned antenna element.

[0075] As described above, dental coils can be used to detect image data of the jaw region. It is conceivable that the dental coil has flexible elements for oriented antenna elements and / or can be positioned at different locations on the patient's dental arch. In this implementation of the dental coil, the antenna elements can be positioned based on detected information about the jaw region and / or user input. Preferably, the desired position of one or more antenna elements is determined for this purpose based on the detected information about the jaw region and / or user input. Here, the desired position of one or more antenna elements can be determined based on the receiving configuration of the individual antenna elements of the dental coil, which is stored, for example, in the storage unit of the magnetic resonance imaging device and / or determined by reference measurements.

[0076] Positioning one or more antenna elements can be performed automatically, remotely, or manually by the user. In the case of manual positioning, a schematic representation can be output on the output unit of the MRI machine, which can be used by the user as a template or guide. Similarly, it is conceivable that a dental coil has a driver that automatically or remotely positions one or more antenna elements at the desired location in the jaw region. Image data of the patient's jaw region can then be detected using the positioned antenna elements.

[0077] By positioning antenna elements at the jaw region based on detected information about the patient's jaw area, the receiving volume of one or more antenna elements can be coordinated with the diagnostically relevant area and / or with an area selected by the user. This advantageously improves the signal-to-noise ratio and / or the quality of the detected image data from the patient's jaw region.

[0078] According to another embodiment of the method according to the invention, image data of the jaw region is detected using multiple antenna elements, wherein reconstructing an image of a diagnostically relevant region of the jaw region includes weighting the image data of the multiple antenna elements, wherein image data of regions outside the diagnostically relevant region of the patient's jaw region are weighted less.

[0079] It is conceivable that, when weighting image data from multiple antenna elements, volumetric image data outside the diagnostically relevant region of the jaw region may be removed or faded out. Here, image data having at least a portion of the diagnostically relevant jaw region may be weighted based on its relative position relative to the diagnostically relevant jaw region and / or its relative share in the image data. Weighting may in particular include adjusting the contrast and / or transparency of pixels in the reconstructed image of the patient's diagnostic jaw region.

[0080] By weighting image data from multiple antenna elements, anatomical structures in the jaw region that are outside the diagnostically relevant area can be faded out and / or deemphasized from images of the diagnostically relevant jaw region with particularly low overhead. This allows the user's attention to be advantageously focused on the diagnostically relevant area of ​​the jaw region.

[0081] According to another embodiment of the method according to the invention, the image data for detecting the jaw region includes image data for detecting anatomical structures outside the patient's jaw region, wherein reconstructing the image of the patient's jaw region includes identifying anatomical structures in an image of a diagnostically relevant region of the patient's jaw region and wherein the identified anatomical structures are faded out in the image of the diagnostically relevant region of the patient's jaw region.

[0082] After adjusting the parameters of the magnetic resonance measurement according to the above embodiments, additional anatomical structures of the patient may still exist in the image of the diagnostically relevant region of the jaw. It is conceivable that the computing unit of the magnetic resonance device has an image processing algorithm that identifies anatomical structures in the image of the patient's diagnostically relevant jaw region. This identification may include, for example, segmenting and / or labeling such anatomical structures in the image of the patient's diagnostically relevant jaw region. It is conceivable that the contrast or grayscale of the pixels of the identified anatomical structures be changed to fade the identified anatomical structures from the image of the diagnostically relevant jaw region. Here, the grayscale of the pixels can be adjusted such that it is distinguishable from the grayscale of the nearest pixel, which is associated with the diagnostically relevant region of the jaw region. The grayscale of the pixels can be assumed to be a minimum or maximum value during adjustment. However, it is also conceivable that the transparency of the pixels of the identified anatomical structures be adjusted to fade the identified anatomical structures.

[0083] By obscuring anatomical structures outside the diagnostic area in the patient's jaw region, the risk of misdiagnosis due to misinterpretation of images of the diagnostically relevant area can be advantageously reduced or avoided. Such misinterpretation is particularly likely to arise from the superposition of surrounding anatomical structures with those of the diagnostically relevant area, a superposition that may be difficult for users without radiological expertise to assess.

[0084] In another embodiment of the method according to the invention, an image of the diagnostic-related region of the jaw region is reconstructed based on a model of the jaw region, wherein image data of the region outside the diagnostic-related region of the patient's jaw region is faded according to the model.

[0085] The model of the jaw region can be designed according to the above embodiments. Preferably, the anatomical structures of the detected image data of the diagnostic-related region of the jaw region are registered with the corresponding anatomical structures of the jaw region model when reconstructing the image of the diagnostic-related region of the jaw region. Here, the detected image data with anatomical structures outside the diagnostic-related region of the jaw region can be removed or faded out. Preferably, the diagnostic-related region of the jaw region has been registered with the jaw region model according to the above embodiments, so that the detected image data can be compared or aligned with the jaw region model when reconstructing the image of the diagnostic-related region of the jaw region.

[0086] By registering the detected image data with a model of the patient's jaw region, images of diagnostically relevant areas of the jaw region can be confined to these areas with low overhead. Furthermore, the effects of patient movement during MRI measurements can be compensated for or corrected during the registration of the detected image data with the jaw region model. This allows for the advantageous avoidance of repeated MRI measurements even when the patient is moving.

[0087] In one embodiment of the method according to the invention, information about the jaw region is detected according to an intelligent algorithm, and the parameters of the magnetic resonance measurement are adjusted and / or an image of the diagnostically relevant area of ​​the jaw region is reconstructed.

[0088] Intelligent algorithms can include artificial neural networks, multilayer neural networks, optimization methods, expert systems, etc. For example, intelligent algorithms can be configured to determine information about a patient's jaw region and / or adjust parameters of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements based on optical image data, X-ray images, MRI images, and / or locator image data of the jaw region from a patient's entire set of teeth. Similarly, it is conceivable that intelligent algorithms can be configured to optimize one or more parameters of MRI measurements based on information about the patient's jaw region. Intelligent algorithms can also be configured to perform diagnostic imaging of diagnostically relevant areas of the patient's jaw region based on information about the patient's jaw region.

[0089] By using intelligent algorithms, sub-steps of the method according to the invention can be automated. A particularly time-efficient and / or robust process of the method according to the invention can also be achieved by means of applying intelligent algorithms. In particular, optimal localization of one or more imaging volumes can be achieved by using intelligent algorithms. This can reduce the duration of magnetic resonance imaging measurements and / or advantageously improve the quality of images of the diagnostically relevant areas of the patient's jaw region.

[0090] The magnetic resonance apparatus according to the invention includes a computing unit, wherein the computing unit is configured to coordinate and perform, by means of the magnetic resonance apparatus, a method according to any embodiment of the invention.

[0091] To detect, process, and store data, such as parameters from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements, imaging parameters, detected information about the patient's jaw region, markings of the location and / or extent of diagnostically relevant areas of the jaw region, and detected image data of the jaw region, MRI equipment may have additional components besides the computing unit. MRI equipment may include, for example, a control unit, working memory, storage units, and suitable interfaces for inputting and outputting data. The computing unit may include, for example, a controller, microcontroller, CPU, GPU, etc. The working memory and storage units may employ storage technologies such as RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash memory, but also HDD memory, SSD memory, etc. It is conceivable that the storage unit includes an internal database electrically and / or mechanically connected to the computing unit of the MRI equipment. However, it is also conceivable that the storage unit is an external database connected to the computing unit via a network connection. Examples of external storage units are network servers with corresponding data storage and cloud storage units. Data can be transmitted via analog and / or digital signals and appropriate wired and / or wireless signal connections between components of the MRI device. For user interaction, such as the output of a jaw region display and / or the detection of user input, the MRI device may also include input and output units as additional components.

[0092] The computing unit is preferably electrically connected to and / or integrated into the control unit of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device. The control unit may be designed to execute the method according to the invention, based on the above embodiments, in coordination with the computing unit. In particular, the control unit may be configured to perform MRI measurements of the patient's jaw region, detect image data of the patient's jaw region, and transmit the detected image data to other components, such as the computing unit, storage unit, and / or output unit. The control unit may also be configured to adjust the parameters of the MRI measurements in coordination with the computing unit.

[0093] The calculation unit can be designed to determine adjustments to the parameters of the magnetic resonance measurement based on information about the patient's jaw region and / or user input. The calculation unit can also be configured to process user input using a display of one or more jaw regions selected from the measurement. User input is preferably detected by means of an input unit of the magnetic resonance device. The input unit can here be a separate component of the magnetic resonance device or integrated into the magnetic resonance device.

[0094] The components of the magnetic resonance apparatus according to the invention can be advantageously coordinated with each other, enabling time-efficient and robust execution of the method according to the invention. The magnetic resonance apparatus according to the invention can in particular be configured to autonomously coordinate and execute the various method steps. Therefore, the parameters of the magnetic resonance measurements can be adjusted based on information about the patient's jaw region in an advantageous manner, either automatically or without the user's expertise.

[0095] A computer program product capable of being directly loaded into the storage unit of the computing unit of a magnetic resonance device according to the present invention, the computer program product having a program code structure so that when the computer program product is executed in the computing unit of the magnetic resonance device, the method according to the present invention according to the above embodiments is performed.

[0096] The computer program product according to the invention can quickly, repeatedly, and robustly execute the method according to the invention. The computer program product is configured to execute the method steps according to the invention by means of a computing unit. The computing unit must have preconditions, such as corresponding working memory, corresponding graphics card, or corresponding logic unit, to efficiently execute the corresponding method steps. The computer program product is stored, for example, on a computer-readable medium or stored on a network, server, or cloud, from which it can be loaded into the processor of the computing unit. The computing unit can be configured as a standalone system component or as part of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device. Control information of the computer program product can also be stored on an electronically readable data carrier. The control information of the electronically readable data carrier can be designed such that when the data carrier is used in the computing unit of the MRI device, the control information executes the method according to the invention. Examples of electronically readable data carriers are DVDs, magnetic tapes, USB flash drives, or any other data storage devices storing electronically readable control information, especially software. When the control information is read by the data carrier and transmitted to the control unit and / or computing unit of the MRI device, all embodiments of the method according to the invention described herein can be executed. Attached Figure Description

[0097] Other advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the embodiments described below and from the accompanying drawings. These are shown herein:

[0098] Figure 1 An embodiment of the magnetic resonance apparatus according to the present invention is shown.

[0099] Figure 2 A schematic representation of the diagnostically relevant areas in the jaw region.

[0100] Figure 3 A schematic representation showing the jaw area.

[0101] Figure 4 A schematic representation of the diagnostically relevant areas in the jaw region.

[0102] Figure 5 A schematic representation showing the jaw area.

[0103] Figure 6 A schematic representation showing the jaw area.

[0104] Figure 7 An embodiment of the magnetic resonance apparatus according to the present invention is shown.

[0105] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating a feasible method according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0106] exist Figure 1 The image illustrates one embodiment of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device 10 according to the present invention. The MRI device 10 includes a magnet unit 11, which has, for example, a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, or a superconducting main magnet 12 to generate a strong and particularly uniform main magnetic field 13 (BO magnetic field). The MRI device 10 also includes a patient receiving region 14 for receiving a patient 15. In the current embodiment, the patient receiving region 14 is configured as a cylinder and is surrounded in the circumferential direction by the magnet unit 11. However, in principle, different configurations of the patient receiving region 14 from the described example are also conceivable.

[0107] Patient 15 can be positioned in patient reception area 14 by means of patient support device 16 of magnetic resonance imaging device 10. Patient support device 16 has an examination table 17 designed to move within patient reception area 14. Magnet unit 11 also has a gradient coil 18 for generating a gradient magnetic field used for position encoding during magnetic resonance measurements. Gradient coil 18 is controlled by gradient control unit 19 of magnetic resonance imaging device 10. Magnet unit 11 may also include a radio frequency antenna, which in the current embodiment is configured as a body coil 20 fixedly integrated into magnetic resonance imaging device 10. Body coil 20 is designed to excite nuclear spins in a main magnetic field 13 generated by main magnet 12. Body coil 20 is controlled by radio frequency unit 21 of magnetic resonance imaging device 10 and incident radio frequency excitation pulses onto an image recording region formed substantially by patient reception area 14 of magnetic resonance imaging device 10. Body coil 20 also constitutes a receiving unit for receiving magnetic resonance signals and may be a receiving unit of magnetic resonance imaging device 10.

[0108] To control the main magnet 12, the gradient control unit 19, and the radio frequency unit 21, the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device 10 includes a control unit 22. The control unit 22 is configured to control the execution of imaging sequences for imaging examinations, such as GRE (gradient echo) sequences, TSE (turbo spin echo) sequences, or UTE (ultra-short echo time) sequences. The control unit 22 also includes a computation unit 28 for evaluating the magnetic resonance signal detected during MRI measurements. The computation unit 28 of the MRI device 10 may be configured to implement correction methods to reduce the impact of motion of the patient 15's diagnostically relevant body region 31 on the MRI measurements.

[0109] Furthermore, the magnetic resonance imaging device 10 includes a user interface 23 having a signal connection to the control unit 22. Control information, such as imaging parameters of the magnetic resonance measurement, but also reconstructed images of the diagnostically relevant region 32 of the jaw region 31 and / or a display of the jaw region 33, can be displayed to the user on the output unit 24 of the user interface 23, for example, on at least one monitor. The output unit 24 can be designed in particular to provide a graphical user interface with a display of the jaw region 33. The user interface 23 also has an input unit 25 by means of which the user can input the parameters of the magnetic resonance measurement. The input unit can be designed in particular to enable the user to select one or more regions 35 of the jaw region 33 for display.

[0110] In this example, computing unit 28 is connected to storage unit 29 of magnetic resonance imaging device 10. Optionally, computing unit 28 may also be connected to cloud 30. Computing unit 28 may be designed to store data, such as optical image data, locator image data, magnetic resonance images, X-ray images, etc., on storage unit 29 and / or cloud 30, and / or retrieve data from storage unit 29 and / or cloud 30 by means of a suitable interface (not shown). In particular, it is conceivable that cloud 30 is configured to receive detected image data and / or images from magnetic resonance imaging device 10 and perform registration of image data and / or images. Cloud 30 may also be configured to adjust the model of jaw region 31 based on the detected image data and / or images, but also to perform correction methods based on the model of jaw region 31. Preferably, cloud 30 is also configured to transmit the results to computing unit 28. Obviously, computing unit 28 may also be configured to perform registration of image data and / or images, and adjustment and / or correction methods for the model of jaw region 31.

[0111] The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device 10 may also include a dental coil 26 positioned, according to the applied posture, at a diagnostically relevant region 32 of the jaw region 31 of the patient 15. The dental coil 26 preferably has a plurality of antenna elements (not shown) that detect MRI signals from the diagnostically relevant region 32 of the jaw region 31 of the patient 15 and transmit them to a computing unit 28 and / or a control unit 22. The dental coil 26 currently has an electrical connection line 27 that provides signal connectivity with the radio frequency unit 21 and the control unit 22. Similar to the body coil 20, the dental coil 26 may also be configured to excite nuclear spins in the jaw region 31 of the patient 15. The dental coil 26 may be controlled for this purpose by the radio frequency unit 21. In one example, the dental coil 26 is configured as a mask positioned, according to the applied posture, on the skin surface of the jaw region 31 of the patient 15. However, it is also conceivable that the dental coil 26 is mechanically connected to an occlusal plate positioned, according to the applied posture, at the dental arch of the patient 15.

[0112] The magnetic resonance imaging device 10 may also include a camera 40, such as a 2D camera, a 3D camera, an infrared camera, etc. The camera 40 is preferably configured to collect optical image data of the full set of teeth of the patient 15. To collect the optical image data, the patient 15 may be positioned in front of the camera 40 before being positioned in the patient receiving area 14. However, it is also conceivable that the camera 40 is positioned within the patient receiving area 14. The camera 40 may, for example, be connected to a dental coil 26 or a head coil (not shown).

[0113] The illustrated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device 10 can obviously include additional components, which typically have MRI equipment. It is also conceivable that the MRI device 10 could replace the cylindrical construction with a C-shaped, triangular, or asymmetrical construction having components that generate magnetic fields. The MRI device 10 can particularly be configured to perform MRI measurements on a standing or seated patient 15.

[0114] Figure 2 The diagram shows a representation of multiple diagnostically relevant regions 32a, 32b, and 32c (32a-c) of the jaw region 31 in patient 15. It is conceivable that the representation of the jaw region 31... Figure 2 The data is established based on optical image data, which is detected by camera 40 when patient 15 is ready for magnetic resonance measurement. However, a schematic representation of jaw region 31 can also be a simplified display of jaw region 33, which is provided to the user by means of output unit 24. Diagnostic-related regions 32a-c can, for example, show teeth or segments of teeth with caries and / or adjacent gingivitis. Figure 2 As shown, the diagnostically relevant regions 32a-c can be positioned relatively close to each other. In the current example, the imaging volume 34 is adjusted such that all diagnostically relevant regions 32a-c are included by the imaging volume 34. In addition to adjusting the width X of the imaging volume 34 along a plane parallel to the coronal plane orientation of the patient 15, the imaging volume 34 can also apparently be adjusted along a depth Y (not shown) parallel to the sagittal plane orientation of the patient 15 according to the diagnostically relevant regions 32a-c. The imaging volume 34 may also include the roots of the teeth having diagnostically relevant regions 32a-c.

[0115] Figure 3 A schematic representation of the display of jaw region 33 is shown, currently divided into regions 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d (35a-d). The display of jaw region 33 is provided to the user of the magnetic resonance imaging device 10 as part of a graphical user interface via output unit 24. It is conceivable that the individual regions 35a-d can be selected via input unit 25 to determine the imaging volume 34 for magnetic resonance measurement. In the current example, the user may select regions 35c and 35d, for example, to perform magnetic resonance measurements of diagnostically relevant regions 32a and 32b. Clearly, the display of jaw region 33 can also be discretized or divided into fewer or more regions 35, enabling a coarser or finer coordination of the imaging volume 34 with the diagnostically relevant region 32 of jaw region 31. The positions and / or weights of antenna elements can also be influenced by the regions 35a-d. The regions 35 of the display of jaw region 33 may here include individual portions of jaw region 31 or partially superimposed thereon.

[0116] Figure 4Another example illustrating a schematic representation of the diagnostically relevant region 32 of the jaw region 31 is shown. The mandibular arc of patient 15 is shown here by means of a visualization of a model of the jaw region 31 of patient 15. The model of the jaw region 31 is also registered with diagnostically relevant regions 32a-c. Preferably, the model of the jaw region 31 of patient 15 is adapted to the jaw region 31 of patient 15 based on information about the jaw region 31, such that the relative positions between teeth and / or the relative size proportions of teeth are substantially coordinated with the arrangement of teeth in the jaw region 31 of patient 15.

[0117] The imaging volume 34 of the magnetic resonance measurement is essentially confined to the diagnostically relevant regions 32a-c of the patient's jaw region 31. It is conceivable that the imaging volume 34 is adjusted along the X, Y, and Z directions (not shown), but also along the rotational direction Wz and / or other rotational directions, such that the proportion of anatomical structures outside the diagnostically relevant regions 32a-c in the imaging volume 34 is reduced or minimized.

[0118] It is conceivable that the representation of the diagnostic-related region 32 is based on Figure 4 The display of the jaw region 33 is output to the user via the output unit 24. The display of the jaw region 33 is therefore divided into regions 35 that can be selected by the user via the input unit 25.

[0119] Figure 5 Another schematic representation of the diagnostically relevant region 32 of the jaw region 31 is shown. In the example shown, the two diagnostically relevant regions 32a and 32b are far apart from each other, such that image data of the diagnostically relevant regions 32a and 32b are detected by means of two imaging sequences having separate or non-overlapping imaging volumes 34a and 34b. Figure 4 Compared to the example shown, the image measured by magnetic resonance imaging is further restricted to diagnostically relevant regions 32a and 32b in the current example by means of imaging volume separation. Figure 5 The division of imaging volumes 34a and 34b shown should be understood as exemplary. Imaging volumes 34a and 34b can, of course, be made larger or smaller and / or have other orientations. Imaging volume 34a may, for example, cover a row of adjacent teeth that extend parallel to the patient's sagittal or coronal plane. Figure 6 In this embodiment, diagnostic-related regions 32a, 32b, and 32c (32a-c) are exemplarily located at the mandibular incisors of patient 15. During magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), multiple single slices can be oriented parallel to the coronal plane of patient 15 and substantially cover the volume of the mandibular incisors. Conversely, a second imaging volume 34b (not shown) can cover any additional diagnostic-related region 32 or partially intersect with imaging volume 34a.

[0120] Figure 7An embodiment of the magnetic resonance imaging device 10 is shown, wherein a camera 40 for recording optical image data of the full set of teeth of a patient 15 is positioned anterior to the jaw region 31 of the patient 15. The patient 15 preferably has their mouth open so that the camera 40 can detect optical image data of the full set of teeth. Diagnostic relevance regions 32 can be marked here, for example, using optical markers 41, to simplify the identification of diagnostic relevance regions 32 of the jaw region 31. It is also conceivable that, instead of or attached to the optical markers, magnetically active markers can also be used, for example, those identifiable in locator image data measured by a locator. By using optical markers and magnetically active markers (or a combination of both), optical image data can be advantageously registered with locator image data based on the positions of the optical markers and magnetically active markers.

[0121] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating a feasible method according to the invention for providing images of a diagnostically relevant region 32 of the jaw region 31 of a patient 15 by means of a magnetic resonance imaging device 10.

[0122] In step S1, information about the jaw region 31 of the patient 15 is detected, wherein the information about the jaw region 31 includes at least one indication of the location and / or extent of the diagnostically relevant region 32 of the jaw region 31.

[0123] Information regarding the patient's jaw region 31 could be, for example, diagnostic findings that could include information about the lesion in the jaw region 31 of the patient 15, the stage of lesion progression, and related anatomical structures. However, it is also conceivable that information regarding the jaw region 31 could include image data and / or images of the jaw region 31 (see, for example, [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 2 The image data and / or images are detected by means of camera 40 and / or magnetic resonance imaging device 10. It is also conceivable that corresponding image data and / or images can be retrieved from storage unit 29, cloud storage unit 30, and / or medical information system. Computation unit 28 preferably includes an image processing unit that determines the location and / or extent of a diagnostically relevant region 32 of the jaw region 31 of patient 15 based on the image data and / or images.

[0124] In one implementation, detecting information about the jaw region 31 of patient 15 includes detecting optical image data of all the teeth of patient 15.

[0125] • X-ray image of the jaw region of patient 15, 31.

[0126] • Magnetic resonance imaging of the jaw region of patient 15, and / or

[0127] • Positioner image data and / or images of the locator measured at the jaw region 31 of patient 15.

[0128] For example, optical image data of patient 15 can be detected using camera 40. Preferably, as in Figure 2 As shown, the optical image data includes at least image data of the patient 15's teeth. It is also conceivable that detecting information about the patient's jaw region 31 includes performing locator measurements using the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device 10. Here, the diagnostically relevant region 32 of the jaw region can be marked using MRI-active markers, such as capsule vitamin D or cod liver oil, to simplify the identification of the diagnostically relevant jaw region 31. Optical markers can also be used, for example, which can be identified based on the optical image data using an image processing unit. In addition, images from previous X-ray and / or previous MRI examinations can of course be detected. These X-ray and / or MRI images are preferably registered with the optical image data, locator image data, and / or model of the patient 15's jaw region 31 to support the localization of the diagnostically relevant region 32 of the jaw region 31 and / or to simplify or refine the adjustment of the parameters of the MRI measurements.

[0129] In one embodiment, detecting information about the jaw region 31 of patient 15 further includes determining the relative positions of a first anatomical structure and a second anatomical structure of the jaw region 31 of patient 15. The first anatomical structure may, for example, be the incisors of patient 15, while the second anatomical structure is the mandible of patient 15. Preferably, the relative positions of the incisors and mandible are determined by means of a computing unit 28 based on optical image data of the patient 15's full set of teeth and / or locator image data of a model of the jaw region 31. The incisors of patient 15, for example, have diagnostically relevant areas 32, such as caries and / or growth deformities. It is conceivable that knowing the relative positions between the incisors and mandible of patient 15 can simplify or refine the positioning of the incisors and / or the adjustment of parameters for magnetic resonance imaging measurements. Knowing the relative positions between the incisors and mandible of patient 15 is particularly relevant for determining the imaging volume 34 based on a simplified model of the jaw region 31, in the case of which the positions of individual teeth or other anatomical structures are not distinguished.

[0130] In another example, detecting information about the jaw region 31 of patient 15 includes detecting locator image data of the jaw region 31 of patient 15 using magnetic resonance imaging equipment 10, wherein multiple single slices are determined in a diagnostically relevant region 32 of the jaw region 31 based on the locator image data. (As in...) Figure 5As shown, multiple single slices can construct separate imaging volumes 34a and 34b. However, it is also conceivable that multiple single slices can construct a common imaging volume 34, which is adapted to the location and / or extent of a diagnostically relevant region in the jaw region. Preferably, the imaging volume is divided into multiple single slices according to a predetermined number of features, characterized, for example, by the ratio of the extent of the first diagnostically relevant region 32a to the distance between the first diagnostically relevant region 32a and the second diagnostically relevant region 32b.

[0131] In optional step S2, a model of the jaw region 31 of patient 15 is adjusted based on detected information about the jaw region 31 of patient 15. The model may include information about the structural configuration of the jaw region 31 of patient 15 and be configured to calibrate or determine the mechanical or biomechanical properties of the jaw region 31 of patient 15. Preferably, the model of the jaw region 31 of patient 15 is adjusted based on a general or statistical body model or jaw model, retrieved, for example, from storage unit 29 or cloud 30. Adjusting the model of the jaw region 31 may particularly include registering and / or aligning the anatomical structures of the model with the corresponding anatomical structures of the jaw region 31 based on image data and / or images using computing unit 28.

[0132] In optional step S3, based on the detected information about the jaw region 31 of the patient 15, a display of the jaw region 33 of the patient 15 is provided by means of output unit 24, wherein the display of the jaw region 33 is divided into at least two regions 35a and 35b, each of the at least two regions including a portion of the volume of the jaw region 31 of the patient 15, wherein at least one region 35a includes at least a portion of the diagnostically relevant region 32.

[0133] It is conceivable that the display of the jaw region 33 is divided into multiple regions 35 based on multiple identified diagnostically relevant areas 32. This can be interpreted as the number of regions 35 being correlated with the number of diseased teeth and / or inflammatory lesions at the gingiva of the jaw region 15. The manner and method of dividing into regions 35, such as the shape of each region 35 and / or the distribution of regions 35 in the volume of the jaw region 31, can here be determined, in particular, by means of the image processing unit of the computing unit 28, based on optical image data and / or locator image data of the jaw region of the patient 15.

[0134] Following optional step S3 is preferably optional step S4, in which user input of the magnetic resonance device 10 is detected, wherein the user input includes selecting at least one site 35 of the display of the jaw site 33 of the patient 15.

[0135] User input is preferably detected by means of input unit 25. The user can select various displayed portions 35a and 35b of the jaw region 33 on the graphical interface of output unit 24, for example, by means of a mouse, touchscreen, and / or keyboard. Preferably, the imaging volume or volume relevant to magnetic resonance measurement is determined by user input, which forms the basis for adjusting the parameters of the magnetic resonance measurement, performing the magnetic resonance measurement, and / or reconstructing the image of the diagnostic region 32 of the jaw region 31 of the patient 15.

[0136] In step S4, the parameters of the magnetic resonance measurement are adjusted based on the detected information about the jaw region 31 of the patient 15.

[0137] Adjusting the parameters of magnetic resonance measurements, especially according to

[0138] • Model of jaw region 31

[0139] • Image data of the jaw region 31 and / or the location of markers in the images,

[0140] • The relative positions of the first anatomical structures of the jaw region 31 of patient 15 and the second anatomical structures of the jaw region 31 of patient 15.

[0141] • Multiple single faults, and / or

[0142] • User input is used to achieve this. The adjustment of the magnetic resonance measurement parameters is preferably used to limit the image data detected by means of magnetic resonance measurement to one or more diagnostically relevant regions 32 of the jaw region 31.

[0143] In one implementation, adjusting the parameters of the magnetic resonance measurement includes at least:

[0144] • Adjust the imaging parameters of the magnetic resonance measurement.

[0145] • Limit the imaging volume of the magnetic resonance measurement to the diagnostically relevant region 32, and / or

[0146] • Adjust the phase encoding and / or frequency encoding of the magnetic resonance measurements.

[0147] Imaging parameters for magnetic resonance measurements can include, for example, tomographic thickness, repetition time, echo time, spatial resolution, and specific absorption rate. In particular, imaging parameters can be imaging volumes that are coordinated with the location and / or extent of the diagnostically relevant region 32. In another example, adjusting the parameters of the magnetic resonance measurements includes reducing the sampling frequency in the phase-encoding direction.

[0148] In another embodiment, adjusting the parameters of the magnetic resonance measurement includes determining the desired location of the antenna element based on detected information about the jaw region 31 and / or user input. The antenna element is preferably part of a dental coil 26, which is positioned, for example, on the skin surface of the jaw region 31 of the patient 15 or within the patient 15's oral cavity. It is conceivable that the dental coil 26 and / or its individual antenna elements can be positioned relative to the jaw region 31 of the patient 15 to coordinate the receiving volume of the dental coil 26 and / or its individual antenna elements with the diagnostically relevant region 32 of the jaw region. Determining the desired location of the antenna element may particularly include coordinating the receiving volume of the antenna element with the location and / or extent of the diagnostically relevant region.

[0149] In another optional step S6, the antenna element is positioned at the jaw region 31 of the patient 15 according to a desired orientation. It is conceivable that the desired orientation of the antenna element and / or dental coil 26 is visualized to the user by means of a display of the jaw region 33 via output unit 25. It is also conceivable that the desired orientation of the antenna element is displayed to the user via a projection of the display of dental coil 26 onto the skin surface of the jaw region 31 of the patient 15. The user is guided by visualization to position the dental coil 26 at the jaw region of the patient 15 in the desired manner. However, it is also conceivable that the dental coil 26 and / or the individual antenna elements are positioned at the jaw region 31 of the patient 15 in the desired orientation remotely or automatically by means of a servo driver.

[0150] In step S7, magnetic resonance measurements are performed with the adjusted parameters, wherein image data of the jaw region 31 of patient 15 are detected.

[0151] In one embodiment, performing a magnetic resonance measurement includes at least based on the detected information about the jaw region 31.

[0152] • At least one antenna element is selected from a plurality of antenna elements, wherein image data of the jaw region 31 is detected by means of at least one selected antenna element.

[0153] • By means of excitation pulses, the diagnostic-related area 32 of the jaw region 31 is selectively excited, and / or

[0154] • By sending saturation pulses, nuclear spins in the region outside the imaging volume 34 are saturated.

[0155] By selecting at least one antenna element from a plurality of antenna elements, the detected magnetic resonance signal can be confined to the diagnostically relevant region 32 of the jaw region 31. Preferably, the magnetic resonance signal of the antenna element is excluded and / or filtered out when the receiving configuration of the antenna element is classified as outside the diagnostically relevant region 32 based on information about the jaw region 31. By excluding the detected magnetic resonance signal before image data is established, the computing capacity of the magnetic resonance device 10 can be advantageously protected. Selective excitation of the diagnostically relevant region 32 by means of excitation pulses and / or saturation of nuclear spins in regions outside the imaging volume 34 by means of saturation pulses can be performed, in particular, by manipulating one or more antenna elements of the dental coil 26. The corresponding antenna elements can be manipulated individually or in groups by means of the radio frequency unit 21 of the magnetic resonance device 10 to transmit excitation pulses and / or saturation pulses to the jaw region 31 of the patient 15.

[0156] In another example, performing a magnetic resonance measurement includes detecting image data of the jaw region 31 of the patient 15 using located and / or selected antenna elements and / or detecting image data of multiple single slices. Multiple single slices may here construct a common imaging volume 34 or multiple separate imaging volumes 34. Preferably, the number of single slices is determined automatically, for example, by adjusting the imaging volume 34 of the magnetic resonance measurement based on information about the jaw region 31 or based on user input.

[0157] In another step S8, an image of the diagnostic-related region 32 of the jaw region 31 is reconstructed based on the image data of the detected jaw region of the patient.

[0158] Here, an image of the diagnostically relevant region 32 of the jaw region 31 can be reconstructed based on a model of the jaw region 31 and / or based on detected optical image data. The model of the jaw region 31 and / or the detected optical image data can be specifically registered with the diagnostically relevant region 32. In this way, the location and / or extent of the diagnostically relevant region 32 can be determined by means of the computing unit 28 based on the model of the jaw region 31 and / or the detected optical image data. It is conceivable that image data of anatomical structures located outside the diagnostically relevant region 32 can be detected during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements. Such anatomical structures can be identified when reconstructing the image of the diagnostically relevant region 32 of the jaw region 31 and can be eliminated or faded out based on the model of the jaw region 31 and / or the optical image data. The image of the diagnostically relevant region 32 of the jaw region 31 can also be delimited or limited based on the model of the jaw region 31, the optical image data, and / or the locator image data. Preferably, the proportion of anatomical structures located outside the diagnostically relevant region 32 in the reconstructed image is reduced or minimized.

[0159] In another embodiment, reconstructing an image of the diagnostically relevant region 32 of the jaw region 31 includes weighting image data from multiple antenna elements, wherein image data of regions outside the diagnostically relevant region 32 of the jaw region 31 of the patient 15 are weighted less. The contrast and / or transparency of image elements (pixels) can be adjusted during weighting so that regions outside the diagnostically relevant region 32 fade into the reconstructed image.

[0160] In step S9, an image of the diagnostic-related region 32 of the jaw region 31 of patient 15 is provided.

[0161] Preferably, providing images of the diagnostically relevant region 32 includes storing images of the diagnostically relevant region 32 on the storage unit 29 of the magnetic resonance imaging device 10, the cloud 30, and / or a medical information system. It is also conceivable that images of the diagnostically relevant region 32 of the jaw region 31 be output to the user via an output unit 24 when provided. Here, the output unit 24 can be a monitor, tablet computer, smartphone, or even a printer.

[0162] Of course, the embodiments of the method and magnetic resonance apparatus according to the invention described herein should be understood as exemplary. Various embodiments can therefore be extended with features of other embodiments. In particular, the order of the method steps according to the invention should be understood as exemplary. The steps may also be performed in a different order or partially or completely overlap in time.

Claims

1. A method for providing images of a diagnostically relevant region of a patient's jaw area using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, the method comprising the following steps: Detection (S1) of information regarding the patient's jaw region, wherein the information regarding the jaw region includes at least one indication of the location and / or extent of the diagnostically relevant area of ​​the jaw region. The parameters of the (S5) magnetic resonance measurement are adjusted based on the detected information about the patient's jaw region. The magnetic resonance measurement (S7) is performed with the adjusted parameters, and image data of the patient's jaw region is detected. Based on the detected image data, (S8) an image of the diagnostically relevant region of the jaw area is reconstructed, and Provide (S9) an image of the diagnostically relevant region of the patient's jaw area. The information detected (S1) regarding the patient's jaw region also includes: The relative positions of a first anatomical structure and a second anatomical structure of the patient's jaw region are determined, and the parameters of the magnetic resonance measurement are adjusted (S5) according to the relative positions of the first anatomical structure and the second anatomical structure of the patient's jaw region.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein detecting information about the patient's jaw region includes detecting... Optical image data of the patient's complete set of teeth, X-ray images of the patient's jaw area. The patient's MRI images of the jaw area, and / or The patient's jaw region locator image data.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of single slices are determined in a diagnostically relevant region of the jaw region based on information about the patient's jaw region, wherein parameters of the magnetic resonance measurement are adjusted (S5) based on the plurality of single slices, and wherein performing (S7) the magnetic resonance measurement includes detecting image data of the plurality of single slices.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein adjusting the parameters of the magnetic resonance measurement (S5) comprises at least: Adjust the imaging parameters of the magnetic resonance measurement. The imaging volume measured by the magnetic resonance imaging is confined to the diagnostically relevant region, and / or Adjust the phase coding and / or frequency coding.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein performing (S7) the magnetic resonance measurement includes at least based on detected information about the jaw region. At least one antenna element is selected from a plurality of antenna elements, wherein the image data of the jaw region is detected by means of at least one selected antenna element. By means of selectively stimulating diagnostically relevant areas of the jaw region with excitation pulses, and / or Nuclear spins in a region outside the imaging volume are saturated by sending saturation pulses.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the following steps: Based on the detected information about the patient's jaw region, an output unit provides (S3) a display of the patient's jaw region, wherein the display of the jaw region has at least two regions, each of which includes a portion of the volume of the patient's jaw region, wherein at least one region includes at least a portion of the diagnostically relevant region. Detecting (S4) user input to the magnetic resonance imaging device, wherein the user input includes: Select at least one area of ​​the patient's jaw region for display, and The parameters of the magnetic resonance measurement are adjusted (S5) and / or the magnetic resonance measurement is performed (S7) according to the user's input.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein adjusting (S5) the parameters of the magnetic resonance measurement includes determining the desired orientation of the antenna element based on detected information about the jaw region and / or the user's input, the method further comprising the steps of: The antenna element is positioned (S6) at the patient's jaw region according to the desired posture. The magnetic resonance measurement performed (S7) includes detecting image data of the patient's jaw region using a positioned antenna element.

8. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein image data of the jaw region is detected using a plurality of antenna elements, and wherein reconstructing (S8) an image of a diagnostically relevant region of the jaw region includes weighting the image data of the plurality of antenna elements, wherein image data of regions outside the diagnostically relevant region of the patient's jaw region are weighted less.

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein detecting (S1) information about the patient's jaw region includes: Optical image data of the patient's entire set of teeth are detected, and wherein (S5) the parameters of the magnetic resonance measurement are adjusted and / or (S8) images of the diagnostically relevant areas of the jaw region are reconstructed based on the optical image data. The image data for detecting the jaw region includes: image data for detecting anatomical structures outside the patient's jaw region, wherein reconstructing (S8) the image of the patient's jaw region includes identifying the anatomical structures in an image of a diagnostically relevant region of the patient's jaw region, and wherein the identified anatomical structures are faded out in the image of the diagnostically relevant region of the patient's jaw region, and The anatomical structures are identified by using the optical image data.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein (S8) an image of a diagnostically relevant region of the jaw region is reconstructed based on a model of the jaw region, and wherein image data of regions outside the diagnostically relevant region of the patient's jaw region are faded according to the model.

11. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the method further comprises the following steps: (S2) Adjust the model of the patient's jaw region based on the detected information about the patient's jaw region. The parameters of the magnetic resonance measurement are adjusted (S5) and / or the image of the diagnostic-related area of ​​the jaw region is reconstructed (S8) according to the model of the jaw region.

12. A magnetic resonance apparatus comprising a computing unit (28), wherein the computing unit (28) is configured to coordinate and perform, by means of the magnetic resonance apparatus, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A computer program product capable of being directly loaded into the data storage of a computing unit (28) of a magnetic resonance apparatus according to claim 12, the computer program product having a program code structure so as to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 when the computer program product is executed in the computing unit (28) of the magnetic resonance apparatus.

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