Method and apparatus for generating synlge magnetic resonance imaging data, and computer-readable recording medium

Abstract

Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for generating SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging data, and a computer-readable recording medium in which a program for performing the method is stored. A method for generating SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging data according to an aspect of the present invention comprises the steps of: calculating a signal value for each pixel of a target area by using a post T1 value for each pixel of the target area, a first inversion time (TI1) which is a time interval between a first virtual inverting pulse time point and a second virtual inverting pulse time point, and a second inversion time (TI2) which is a time interval between the first virtual inverting pulse time point and a virtual signal acquisition time point; and generating a synthetic late gadolinium enhancement (SynLGE) magnetic resonance image to which the signal value for each pixel corresponding to each pixel of the target area has been assigned.

Description

SYNLGE magnetic resonance imaging data generation method and device, computer-readable recording medium

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and device for generating SynLGE magnetic resonance image data, and a computer-readable recording medium, and more particularly, to a method and device for generating SynLGE magnetic resonance image data for generating Synthetic Late Gadolinium Enhancement (SynLGE) magnetic resonance image data for a target area, and a computer-readable recording medium.

[0002] Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic test that generates images by irradiating the subject's body with radio frequency (RF) pulses while the subject is placed within a strong magnetic field and measuring the reflected magnetic field. The advantages of MRI are that, because it utilizes RF pulses and magnetic fields, it is harmless to the human body compared to X-rays or CT scans, which utilize radiation, and it can obtain information about soft tissues in a variety of ways.

[0003] Among various magnetic resonance imaging acquisition techniques, the Late Gadolinium Enhancement (LGE) technique is effective in diagnosing myocardial lesions. LGE takes advantage of the tendency of contrast agents to remain in myocardial lesions longer than in normal myocardium.

[0004] More specifically, LGE MR images demonstrate differences in image signal intensity between normal myocardium and lesions, as seen in MR image data obtained over a time period after contrast agent injection, during which relatively large amounts of contrast agent are excreted within normal myocardium and relatively large amounts remain within lesions. These characteristics allow LGE MR images to be used to efficiently assess the presence or absence of intramyocardial lesions.

[0005] LGE magnetic resonance imaging has the problem that it is difficult to acquire images with an optimized inversion time despite requiring pre-capture to set the inversion time for acquiring signals for acquisition, and it is often difficult to analyze because it is sensitive to the movement of the subject.

[0006] Meanwhile, the set of T1 values ​​for each pixel in an LGE magnetic resonance image obtained after contrast agent injection is called a post-contrast T1 map. Recently, the use of the synthetic late gadolinium enhancement (SynLGE) technique, which generates magnetic resonance image data from a contrast-enhanced T1 map, has been proposed for assessing intramyocardial lesions.

[0007] SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging artificially synthesizes magnetic resonance images using contrast-enhanced T1 maps, so it does not require pre-capture, is not affected by the subject's movement, and has the advantage of high freedom in setting the inversion time.

[0008] However, both conventional LGE and SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging suffer from a lack of clarity in the distinction between diseased tissue and surrounding tissue. This is because, when compositing magnetic resonance images, the areas corresponding to blood and diseased tissue are simultaneously enhanced.

[0009] (Prior art document) Korean Patent No. 10-2596865, "Mri processing device and method, computer-readable recording medium storing a program for performing the method", registered on October 27, 2023.

[0010] The present invention is intended to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a method and device for generating Synthetic Late Gadolinium Enhancement (SynLGE) magnetic resonance image data, which can generate SynLGE magnetic resonance image data in which signal values ​​of pixels corresponding to two or more tissues included in a target area are simultaneously nulled, and a computer-readable recording medium.

[0011] The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for generating SynLGE magnetic resonance image data is provided, including: a step of calculating a signal value for each pixel of a target region using a post T1 value for each pixel of the target region, a first inversion time (TI1) which is a time interval between a first virtual inverting pulse time point and a second virtual inverting pulse time point, and a second inversion time (TI2) which is a time interval between the first virtual inverting pulse time point and a virtual signal acquisition time point; and a step of generating Synthetic Late Gadolinium Enhancement (SynLGE) magnetic resonance image data to which the signal value for each pixel corresponding to each pixel of the target region is assigned.

[0013] In a method for generating SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging data according to one aspect of the present invention, the target region may include at least three different tissues of the subject.

[0014] In a method for generating SynLGE magnetic resonance image data according to one aspect of the present invention, the second inversion time (TI2) may be set to a point in time at which the signal values ​​per pixel for the two different tissues appear as 0.

[0015] In a method for generating SynLGE magnetic resonance image data according to one aspect of the present invention, the target region includes the heart of the subject, and two different tissues in which the signal value per pixel appears as 0 at the second inversion time (TI2) may be normal myocardium and blood.

[0016] In a method for generating SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging data according to one aspect of the present invention, the signal value for each pixel of the target area can be calculated according to the following (Formula 1).

[0017] (Formula 1)

[0018]

[0019] (SI: signal value, TI1: first inversion time, TI2: second inversion time, T1: post-T1 value of pixel)

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a SynLGE magnetic resonance image data generation device, comprising: a memory storing one or more instructions; and a processor executing the one or more instructions; wherein the processor executes the one or more instructions to generate a signal value for each pixel of the target region by using a post T1 value for each pixel of the target region, a first inversion time (TI1) which is a time interval between a first virtual inverting pulse time point and a second virtual inverting pulse time point, and a second inversion time (TI2) which is a time interval between the first virtual inverting pulse time point and a virtual signal acquisition time point, and to generate a Synthetic Late Gadolinium Enhancement (SynLGE) magnetic resonance image in which the signal value for each pixel corresponding to each pixel of the target region is assigned.

[0021] In a SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging data generating device according to one aspect of the present invention, the target region may include at least three different tissues of the subject.

[0022] In a SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging data generating device according to one aspect of the present invention, the second inversion time (TI2) may be set to a point in time at which pixel-by-pixel signal values ​​for two different tissues within the target area appear as 0.

[0023] In a SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging data generating device according to one aspect of the present invention, the target area includes the heart of the subject, and two different tissues in which the signal value per pixel appears as 0 at the second inversion time (TI2) may be normal myocardium and blood.

[0024] In a SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging data generation device according to one aspect of the present invention, a signal value for each pixel of the target area can be calculated according to the following (Formula 1).

[0025] (Formula 1)

[0026]

[0027] (SI: signal value, TI1: first inversion time, TI2: second inversion time, T1: post-T1 value of pixel)

[0028] According to another aspect of the present invention, a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing a program including at least one instruction for performing the SynLGE magnetic resonance image data generation method is provided.

[0029] According to the above configuration, the method and device for generating SynLGE magnetic resonance image data according to the present invention and the computer-readable recording medium generate SynLGE magnetic resonance image data in which signal values ​​of pixels corresponding to at least two tissues excluding the disease in the target area are nulled by utilizing a contrast-enhanced T1 map for the target area and two virtual inverting pulse sequences, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of disease diagnosis through SynLGE magnetic resonance image data.

[0030] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the detailed description of the present invention or the composition of the invention described in the claims.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a method for generating SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging data according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a graph showing two virtual inverting pulse sequences used in a method for generating SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging data according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of conventional SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging data for a target area.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of SynLGE magnetic resonance image data for a target area generated by a method for generating SynLGE magnetic resonance image data according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging data generation device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the present invention. The present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. To clearly explain the present invention, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted in the drawings, and the same reference numerals designate identical or similar components throughout the specification.

[0037] The words and terms used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a way that is consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principles by which the inventor can define terms and concepts in order to best explain his or her invention.

[0038] In this specification, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to describe the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a method for generating SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging data according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] A method (S100) for generating SynLGE magnetic resonance image data according to one embodiment of the present invention can be performed to generate Synthetic Late Gadolinium Enhancement (SynLGE) magnetic resonance image data for a target area.

[0041] Here, SynLGE magnetic resonance image data refers to magnetic resonance image data synthesized using a post contrast T1 map, which is a set of T1 values ​​for each pixel of a late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) magnetic resonance image obtained after contrast agent injection. More specifically, SynLGE magnetic resonance image data can be synthesized using a post contrast T1 map and a change function of a signal value after inversion by an inverting pulse that uses the post T1 value as a variable.

[0042] A method (S100) for generating SynLGE magnetic resonance image data according to one embodiment of the present invention can generate SynLGE magnetic resonance image data in which signal values ​​of pixels corresponding to two or more tissues included in the target area are simultaneously nulled.

[0043] The target area may include the subject's body tissue. More specifically, the target area may include the subject's heart.

[0044] Additionally, the target region may include three or more tissues of the subject. For example, the target region may be the heart of the subject, and may include tissues such as normal myocardium, myocardial disease, and blood.

[0045] The SynLGE magnetic resonance image data generation method (S100) can generate SynLGE magnetic resonance image data in which signal values ​​of pixels corresponding to two tissues among three or more tissues included in the target area are nulled.

[0046] As in the example above, if the target area is the subject's heart and includes tissues such as normal myocardium, intramyocardial disease, and blood, the SynLGE magnetic resonance image data generation method (S100) can nullify the signal values ​​of pixels corresponding to normal myocardium and blood to 0. Accordingly, SynLGE magnetic resonance image data in which intramyocardial disease tissue is highlighted can be generated.

[0047] A method (S100) for generating SynLGE magnetic resonance image data according to one embodiment of the present invention may be performed by one or more processors. The processor may be a hardware unit that performs calculations and control within a computer. For example, the processor may include at least one Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) and a register.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 1, a method (S100) for generating SynLGE magnetic resonance image data according to an embodiment of the present invention can be performed as follows.

[0049] First, a signal value for each pixel of the target area is calculated using a post T1 value for each pixel of the target area, a first inversion time (TI1) which is a time interval between the first virtual inverting pulse time and the second virtual inverting pulse time, and a second inversion time (TI2) which is a time interval between the first virtual inverting pulse time and the virtual signal acquisition time (S110).

[0050] In this specification, pixel is used in a sense that includes not only the two-dimensional meaning but also the voxel, which is a pixel unit in three-dimensional space.

[0051] The post-T1 value for each pixel of the above target region refers to the post-T1 value for each pixel of LGE magnetic resonance imaging data for the target region obtained after contrast agent is injected into the subject's body. The set of post-T1 values ​​for each pixel of magnetic resonance imaging data for the target region obtained after contrast agent is injected into the subject's body can be defined as a contrast-enhanced T1 map. The post-T1 value for each pixel can be obtained by cumulatively measuring the magnetic resonance imaging signal for the target region for a predetermined period of time after contrast agent injection.

[0052] In addition, as described above, SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging data is synthesized using a function of the change in signal value after inversion by an inverting pulse with a contrast-enhanced T1 map and a post-T1 value as variables. Therefore, the first inversion time (TI1) and the second inversion time (TI2) are not applied to the actual shooting sequence of the magnetic resonance imaging device, but are applied as constants to the function for calculating the signal value.

[0053] Meanwhile, the T1 value refers to the constant of the time it takes for protons in the target area to realign with respect to the magnetic field formed by the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device after being inverted by an inverting pulse (RF pulse) while they are aligned. More specifically, the T1 value can be defined as the time it takes for the longitudinal (Z-axis) component of the magnetization to reach 63% of the maximum magnetization value in the initial proton alignment state after the inverting pulse is injected while the protons are aligned in the magnetic field and the alignment of the protons is inverted.

[0054] FIG. 2 is a graph showing two virtual inverting pulse sequences used in a method for generating SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging data according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] In Fig. 2, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents signal values. Fig. 2 shows the change in signal values ​​of three pixels (or tissues within the target area corresponding to the pixels) with different post-T1 values ​​when a sequence is performed in which the signal is inverted at the first virtual inverting pulse time point and then inverted again at the second virtual inverting pulse time point.

[0056] Referring to Fig. 2, the signal value change curve (L1) of a pixel with a post-T1 value of 1737 ms, the signal value change curve (L2) of a pixel with a post-T1 value of 1352 ms, and the signal value change curve (L3) of a pixel with a post-T1 value of 537 ms are shown. These show different signal value change patterns over time after inversion at the time of the first virtual inverting pulse. More specifically, it can be confirmed that the larger the post-T1 value, the slower the increase in the signal value after inversion tends to proceed.

[0057] Assuming this situation, if the first inversion time (TI1), which is the time interval between the first virtual inverting pulse point and the second virtual inverting pulse point, and the second inversion time (TI2), which is the time interval between the first virtual inverting pulse point and the virtual signal acquisition point, are appropriately set, the signal values ​​of two pixels among three pixels having different post T1 values ​​can be assigned to 0.

[0058] This means that when the target area contains three or more tissues of the subject and the post-T1 values ​​of the pixels corresponding to each tissue are different from each other, the discrimination power of the pixels corresponding to one targeted tissue can be increased by nulling the signal values ​​of the pixels corresponding to two tissues included in the target area.

[0059] When the target area includes three or more tissues of the subject, the second inversion time (TI2) may be set to a point in time when the pixel-by-pixel signal values ​​for two different tissues within the target area appear as 0.

[0060] For example, when the target area includes the heart of the subject, the first inversion time (TI1) and the second inversion time (TI2) can be set so that the two different tissues in which the pixel-by-pixel signal value appears as 0 at the second inversion time (TI2) are normal myocardium and blood.

[0061] Of course, the post-T1 values ​​of pixels corresponding to the same tissue may not all be the same. However, in most cases, the difference between the post-T1 values ​​of pixels corresponding to the same tissue appears within a certain range. Therefore, if the first inversion time (TI1), which is the time interval between the first virtual inverting pulse time and the second virtual inverting pulse time, and the second inversion time (TI2), which is the time interval between the first virtual inverting pulse time and the virtual signal acquisition time, are appropriately set, the signal values ​​of the pixels corresponding to the two tissues can be assigned to 0 or values ​​close to 0.

[0062] In other words, in the present invention, nulling can be defined as assigning a signal value of a pixel to 0 or a value close to 0.

[0063] In one embodiment of the present invention, one or more processors can calculate a signal value for each pixel of the target area according to the following (Formula 1).

[0064] (Formula 1)

[0065]

[0066] (SI: signal value, TI1: first inversion time, TI2: second inversion time, T1: post-T1 value of pixel)

[0067] In (Formula 1), the first inversion time (TI1) and the second inversion time (TI2) are set as constant values. Therefore, the signal value for each pixel in the target area is determined according to the post T1 value for each pixel.

[0068] Next, synthetic late gadolinium enhancement (SynLGE) magnetic resonance imaging data is generated, in which each pixel corresponding to the signal value for each pixel in the target area is assigned (S120).

[0069] One or more processors generate SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging data by assigning previously generated signal values ​​for each pixel to each pixel.

[0070] As previously discussed, if the first inversion time (TI1), which is the time interval between the first virtual inverting pulse point and the second virtual inverting pulse point, and the second inversion time (TI2), which is the time interval between the first virtual inverting pulse point and the virtual signal acquisition point, are appropriately set, the signal values ​​of two of the three pixels can be assigned to 0 (or values ​​close to 0).

[0071] SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging data, in which signal values ​​obtained in this manner are assigned to each pixel, has a form in which the signal values ​​of pixels corresponding to at least two tissues included in the target area are nulled. Accordingly, pixels corresponding to tissues corresponding to the diagnosis target (e.g., diseased tissue) can have relatively enhanced discrimination power.

[0072] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of conventional SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging data for a target area.

[0073] The above SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging data is an artificially generated LGE magnetic resonance image using pixel-by-pixel signal values ​​determined using a contrast-enhanced T1 map for the target area, instead of obtaining late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) magnetic resonance imaging data through actual magnetic resonance imaging.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 3, the target region includes the subject's heart, and the target region includes cardiomyopathy tissue (A), blood (B), normal myocardium (C), etc. However, the SynLGE magnetic resonance image data of FIG. 3 does not have a distinct contrasting difference between the signal values ​​of pixels corresponding to cardiomyopathy tissue (A) and the signal values ​​of pixels corresponding to blood (B).

[0075] Accordingly, the difference in shade or boundary between the cardiomyopathy tissue (A) and blood (B) is not clearly visible. This is because, during the synthesis of magnetic resonance images, the cardiomyopathy tissue (A) is enhanced, making the signal intensity similar to that of blood (B).

[0076] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of SynLGE magnetic resonance image data for a target area generated by a method for generating SynLGE magnetic resonance image data according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 4, the target region includes the heart of the subject, and the target region includes cardiomyopathy tissue (A), blood (B), normal myocardium (C), etc. However, the SynLGE magnetic resonance image data of FIG. 4 generated by the SynLGE magnetic resonance image data generation method (S100) according to one embodiment of the present invention is nulled so that the signal values ​​of the pixels corresponding to the blood (B) and the signal values ​​of the pixels corresponding to the normal myocardium (C) have values ​​of 0 or close to 0.

[0078] More specifically, in the SynLGE magnetic resonance image data shown in Fig. 4, pixels corresponding to the diseased tissue (A) appear enhanced, and pixels corresponding to blood (B) adjacent to the diseased tissue (A) and pixels corresponding to normal myocardium (C) appear nulled. Accordingly, pixels corresponding to the cardiomyopathy tissue (A) can have relatively enhanced distinguishability.

[0079] The above has been described in detail with respect to a SynLGE magnetic resonance image data generation method (S100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Below, a SynLGE magnetic resonance image data generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0080] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging data generation device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] A SynLGE magnetic resonance image data generation device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention generates Synthetic Late Gadolinium Enhancement (SynLGE) magnetic resonance image data for a target region. A SynLGE magnetic resonance image data generation method (S100) according to an embodiment of the present invention can be performed by the SynLGE magnetic resonance image data generation device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] The target area may include the subject's body tissue. More specifically, the target area may include the subject's heart.

[0083] Additionally, the target region may include three or more tissues of the subject. For example, the target region may be the heart of the subject, and may include tissues such as normal myocardium, myocardial disease, and blood.

[0084] The SynLGE magnetic resonance image data generation device (100) can generate SynLGE magnetic resonance image data in which the signal values ​​of pixels corresponding to two tissues among three or more tissues included in the target area are nulled.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 5, a SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging data generation device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a memory (110) and a processor (120).

[0086] The memory (110) stores one or more instructions. The one or more instructions may be executed by the processor (120). The memory (110) may include a hardware device configured to store and execute one or more instructions.

[0087] For example, the memory (110) may include storage media such as ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc. In addition, the memory (110) may include magnetic media such as floppy disks and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) and DVDs (Digital Video Disks), magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, etc.

[0088] The processor (120) executes one or more of the instructions. For example, the processor (120) may be a hardware unit that performs calculations and control within a computer. The processor (120) may include at least one Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) and a register.

[0089] The processor (120) calculates a signal value for each pixel of the target area by executing one or more of the instructions, using a post T1 value for each pixel of the target area, a first inversion time (TI1) which is a time interval between a first virtual inverting pulse time point and a second virtual inverting pulse time point, and a second inversion time (TI2) which is a time interval between the second virtual inverting pulse time point and a virtual signal acquisition time point.

[0090] The post T1 value, first inversion time (TI1) and second inversion time (TI2) for each pixel of the above target area are as described in relation to the SynLGE magnetic resonance image data generation method (S100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] When the first inversion time (TI1), which is the time interval between the first virtual inverting pulse point and the second virtual inverting pulse point, and the second inversion time (TI2), which is the time interval between the first virtual inverting pulse point and the virtual signal acquisition point, are appropriately set, the signal values ​​of two pixels among three pixels having different post T1 values ​​can be assigned to 0.

[0092] This means that when the target area contains three or more tissues of the subject and the post-T1 values ​​of the pixels corresponding to each tissue are different from each other, the discrimination power of the pixels corresponding to one targeted tissue can be increased by nulling the signal values ​​of the pixels corresponding to two tissues included in the target area.

[0093] When the target area includes three or more tissues of the subject, the second inversion time (TI2) may be set to a point in time when the pixel-by-pixel signal values ​​for two different tissues within the target area appear as 0.

[0094] For example, the target area may include the heart of the subject, and the first inversion time (TI1) and the second inversion time (TI2) may be set so that two different tissues whose pixel-by-pixel signal values ​​appear as 0 at the second inversion time (TI2) are normal myocardium and blood.

[0095] In one embodiment of the present invention, the processor (120) can calculate the signal value for each pixel of the target area according to the following (Formula 1).

[0096] (Formula 1)

[0097]

[0098] (SI: signal value, TI1: first inversion time, TI2: second inversion time, T1: post-T1 value of pixel)

[0099] In (Formula 1), the first inversion time (TI1) and the second inversion time (TI2) are set as constant values, so the signal value for each pixel in the target area is determined according to the post T1 value for each pixel.

[0100] Additionally, the processor (120) generates a synthetic late gadolinium enhancement (SynLGE) magnetic resonance image in which each pixel of the target area is assigned a signal value corresponding to each pixel.

[0101] One or more processors can generate SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging data by assigning previously generated signal values ​​for each pixel to each pixel.

[0102] As described above, if the first inversion time (TI1), which is the time interval between the first virtual inverting pulse point and the second virtual inverting pulse point, and the second inversion time (TI2), which is the time interval between the first virtual inverting pulse point and the virtual signal acquisition point, are appropriately set, the signal values ​​of two of the three pixels can be assigned to 0 (or values ​​close to 0).

[0103] SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging data, in which signal values ​​obtained in this manner are assigned to each pixel, has a form in which the signal values ​​of pixels corresponding to at least two tissues are nulled. Accordingly, pixels corresponding to tissues corresponding to the diagnostic target (e.g., diseased tissue) can have relatively enhanced discrimination power.

[0104] Meanwhile, the present invention additionally provides a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing a program for performing the above-described SynLGE magnetic resonance image data generation method. Specifically, the present invention can provide a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing a program including at least one instruction for performing the above-described SynLGE magnetic resonance image data generation method.

[0105] At this time, the instructions may include machine language code generated by a compiler. Additionally, the instructions may include high-level language code executable by the computer.

[0106] The above recording medium may include a hardware device configured to store and execute program instructions, such as magnetic media such as a hard disk, a floppy disk, and a magnetic tape, optical media such as a compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), a digital video disk (DVD), a magneto-optical media such as a floptical disk, a ROM, a RAM, a flash memory, etc.

[0107] As described above, according to the present invention, by utilizing a contrast-enhanced T1 map for a target area and two virtual inverting pulse sequences, SynLGE magnetic resonance image data is generated in which signal values ​​of pixels corresponding to at least two tissues excluding a disease in the target area are nulled, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of disease diagnosis using SynLGE magnetic resonance image data.

[0108] While embodiments of the present invention have been described, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Those skilled in the art, understanding the spirit of the present invention, will readily propose other embodiments within the scope of the same concept by adding, modifying, deleting, or adding components, and such other embodiments will also fall within the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A step of calculating a signal value for each pixel of the target area using a post T1 value for each pixel of the target area, a first inversion time (TI1) which is a time interval between the first virtual inverting pulse time and the second virtual inverting pulse time, and a second inversion time (TI2) which is a time interval between the first virtual inverting pulse time and the virtual signal acquisition time; and A method for generating SynLGE magnetic resonance image data, comprising: a step of generating synthetic late gadolinium enhancement (SynLGE) magnetic resonance image data in which each pixel corresponding to each pixel of the target area is assigned a signal value; 2. In paragraph 1, A method for generating SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging data, wherein the target area comprises at least three different tissues of the subject.

3. In paragraph 2, A method for generating SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging data, wherein the second inversion time (TI2) is set to a point in time at which pixel-by-pixel signal values ​​for two different tissues within the target area appear as 0.

4. In paragraph 3, A method for generating SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging data, wherein the target area includes the heart of the subject, and two different tissues in which the pixel-by-pixel signal value appears as 0 at the second inversion time (TI2) are normal myocardium and blood.

5. In paragraph 1, A method for generating SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging data, wherein the signal value for each pixel of the above target area is calculated according to the following (Formula 1). (Formula 1) (SI: signal value, TI1: first inversion time, TI2: second inversion time, T1: post-T1 value of pixel) 6. Memory that stores one or more instructions; and a processor for executing one or more of the above instructions; The processor executes one or more of the instructions, A SynLGE magnetic resonance image data generation device that generates a Synthetic Late Gadolinium Enhancement (SynLGE) magnetic resonance image by calculating a signal value for each pixel of the target region using a post T1 value for each pixel of the target region, a first inversion time (TI1) which is a time interval between a first virtual inverting pulse time point and a second virtual inverting pulse time point, and a second inversion time (TI2) which is a time interval between the first virtual inverting pulse time point and a virtual signal acquisition time point, and assigning the signal value for each pixel corresponding to each pixel of the target region.

7. In paragraph 6, A SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging data generation device wherein the target area includes at least three different tissues of the subject.

8. In paragraph 7, A SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging data generation device in which the second inversion time (TI2) is set to a point in time at which pixel-by-pixel signal values ​​for two different tissues within the target area appear as 0.

9. In paragraph 8, A SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging data generation device in which the target area includes the heart of the subject, and two different tissues in which the pixel-by-pixel signal value appears as 0 at the second inversion time (TI2) are normal myocardium and blood.

10. In paragraph 6, A SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging data generation device in which the signal value for each pixel of the above target area is calculated according to the following (Formula 1). (Formula 1) (SI: signal value, TI1: first inversion time, TI2: second inversion time, T1: post-T1 value of pixel) 11. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing a program including at least one instruction for performing the SynLGE magnetic resonance imaging data generation method of any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images