CSE-MRI PDWF Mapping for Breast Density Quantification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing breast tissue density, such as mammography, are limited by subjectivity, variability, and the use of ionizing radiation, which hinders accurate quantification and increases breast cancer risk stratification, particularly in women with dense breast tissue.
Innovation Solution
The use of confounder-corrected Chemical Shift Encoded Magnetic Resonance Imaging (CSE-MRI) techniques to quantify fibroglandular tissue concentration through Proton Density Water Fraction (PDWF) mapping, providing a robust and reproducible biomarker for breast density and cancer risk assessment without ionizing radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mammography is used to assess breast density, then breast cancer detection is possible, but measurement precision deteriorates due to subjectivity and variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical imaging system of mammography with a magnetic resonance imaging system that uses magnetic fields and radio waves. This substitution enables objective, quantitative measurement of breast density through proton density water fraction (PDWF) mapping, eliminating the subjectivity and variability inherent in mammographic visual assessment while maintaining cancer detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from radiographic density (mammography) to proton density water fraction (PDWF) derived from MRI signals. This parameter change enables precise, reproducible quantification of fibroglandular tissue concentration, transforming subjective visual categories into objective numerical values that can be reliably used for risk stratification.
2Measurement precision
If mammography is used for breast density assessment, then breast density can be measured, but harmful factors increase due to ionizing radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the ionizing radiation-based mammographic system with a non-ionizing MRI system that uses magnetic fields and radio frequency waves. This replacement maintains the ability to measure breast density quantitatively while eliminating harmful radiation exposure to the patient.
3Measurement precision
If mammographic quantification software is used, then breast density can be calculated, but device complexity increases due to multiple limitations and requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mammographic quantification software with a streamlined MRI-based PDWF mapping approach. The MRI method inherently provides quantitative data through signal processing, eliminating the need for complex post-processing software algorithms and reducing overall system complexity while improving measurement precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach offers precise, accurate, and reproducible quantification of breast fibroglandular tissue volume and concentration, reducing measurement errors and variability, and providing a more objective assessment of breast density, enhancing cancer risk stratification and detection sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
When a substance, such as human tissue, is subjected to a sufficiently large, uniform magnetic field (polarizing field B0), the individual magnetic moments of the nuclei in the tissue attempt to align with this polarizing field, but process about it in random order at their characteristic Larmor frequency. If the substance, or tissue, is subjected to a magnetic field (excitation field B1) that is in the x-y plane and that is near the Larmor frequency, the net aligned moment, MZ, may be rotated, or 'tipped', into the x-y plane to produce a net transverse magnetic moment Mxy. A signal is emitted by the excited nuclei or 'spins', after the excitation signal B1 is terminated, and this signal may be received and processed to form an image.
Implementation Method 2
Chemical-shift-encoded magnetic resonance imaging (CSE-MRI) techniques to quantify fibroglandular tissue concentration through Proton Density Water Fraction (PDWF) mapping
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for assessing tissue properties of a subject within a region of interest (ROI) using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes acquiring chemical-shift-encoded imaging data of the ROI. The method also includes determining, from imaging data a proton density water fraction (PDWF) map and quantifying, using the PDWF map, a property of tissue within the ROI. The method further includes generating, using the PDWF map, a report indicating the quantified property of the tissue. The tissue may include fibroglandular tissue (FGT).