Augmented CT Parameter Maps Using MRI for Tumor Perfusion Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging modalities like multiphase CT and MRI face challenges in accurately determining absolute contrast agent quantification at the optimal time, particularly for assessing tumor vitality, due to limitations in temporal resolution and radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
A method combining spectral multiphase CT and 4D MRI to generate a quantitative result CT parameter map by correlating CT parameter maps with higher temporal resolution MRI datasets, using base material decomposition and image registration to enhance temporal resolution and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If spectral multiphase CT is used to determine contrast agent concentration, then quantitative accuracy is improved, but temporal resolution deteriorates due to limited number of measurement phases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines spectral multiphase CT data with 4D MRI datasets by merging the quantitative accuracy of CT with the high temporal resolution of MRI. The method correlates CT parameter maps with MRI datasets through image registration and uses the MRI temporal information to augment the CT parameter maps, thereby achieving both quantitative precision and high temporal resolution simultaneously.
2Speed
If non-spectral CT perfusion measurement with higher temporal resolution is used, then temporal resolution is improved, but radiation exposure increases and image quality for individual time points deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses 4D MRI datasets as an intermediary to transfer temporal resolution information to the spectral CT parameter maps. The MRI data acts as a mediator that provides high temporal resolution without requiring additional CT measurements, thus avoiding increased radiation exposure while achieving the desired temporal resolution through data correlation and fusion.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If images are taken at only a small number of time points in multiphase CT, then radiation exposure is reduced, but the optimal time for measurement is often missed, adversely affecting diagnostic value
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary correlation and registration of CT and MRI datasets to create an augmented sequence of CT parameter maps with enhanced temporal resolution. This preliminary processing enables identification of optimal measurement times without requiring additional radiation-exposing scans, as the augmented maps provide sufficient temporal detail to determine peak contrast agent concentration timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the temporal information from MRI datasets and applies it to the CT parameter maps through correlation and augmentation. This copying of temporal resolution from MRI to CT data allows determination of optimal measurement times without performing additional CT scans, thereby avoiding increased radiation exposure while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a quantitative result CT parameter map in a region of interest of an object under examination is described. The method includes acquiring a sequence of quantitative input CT parameter maps for at least two predetermined times, the sequence being generated by a contrast-enhanced spectral multiphase CT of the region of interest; receiving a sequence of contrast-enhanced MRI image datasets, the MRI datasets having a higher temporal resolution than the sequence of input CT parameter maps; determining a relation between the MRI image datasets and the input CT parameter maps; and determining the result CT parameter map based on the determined relation and the MRI image datasets for at least one additional time, the at least one additional time being different from the predetermined time.