DCE-MRI Reconstruction Using K-Space Averaging for SNR and Timing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional DCE-MRI methods suffer from low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and spatial resolution in reconstructed images, necessitating multiple contrast agent injections to achieve high temporal and spatial resolution, which is time-consuming and affects patient experience.
Innovation Solution
A DCE-MRI reconstruction method and apparatus that enables simultaneous acquisition and reconstruction of high and low temporal resolution images using a single scan by employing high temporal resolution scanning and reconstruction parameters, combined with K-space data summing and averaging, utilizing methods like Cartesian filling, radial filling, and acceleration techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high temporal resolution scanning is used to acquire K-space data, then temporal resolution is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple K-space data sets from different temporal resolutions into a single reconstructed image. Specifically, it merges high temporal resolution K-space data (for temporal information) with low temporal resolution K-space data (for signal strength) through complex field summing and averaging, thereby achieving both high temporal resolution and high signal-to-noise ratio in the final reconstructed image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from acquiring data solely in the temporal dimension to utilizing both temporal and spatial frequency dimensions simultaneously. By acquiring K-space data at multiple temporal resolutions and combining them through Fourier transform operations, the method exploits the frequency domain to achieve superior image quality that cannot be obtained by temporal resolution alone.
2Reliability
If multiple contrast agent injections are performed to improve image quality, then signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution are improved, but examination time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary K-space data acquisition at high temporal resolution during the contrast agent injection phase. This preliminary high-resolution data capture enables subsequent reconstruction of both high temporal resolution images (for perfusion analysis) and low temporal resolution images (for morphological detail) from a single scan, eliminating the need for multiple separate scans with additional contrast agent injections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the single DCE-MRI scan serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same K-space data acquisition and reconstruction process produces both high temporal resolution images for quantitative perfusion analysis and low temporal resolution images for morphological evaluation, making the examination procedure multi-functional and eliminating the need for multiple separate examinations.
3Manufacturing precision
If low temporal resolution scanning is used to improve spatial resolution, then spatial resolution is improved, but temporal resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the K-space data into different temporal resolution components. It separates high temporal resolution K-space data (for capturing dynamic changes) from low temporal resolution K-space data (for providing signal strength), then reconstructs images by combining these segmented components through complex field operations, thereby achieving both high spatial and temporal resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal resolution parameter dynamically during the scanning process. By adjusting the temporal resolution parameter to acquire data at multiple different rates and then combining them through reconstruction algorithms, the method achieves optimal spatial resolution while maintaining high temporal resolution capability, effectively decoupling the trade-off between these two parameters.
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
Achieves high temporal resolution images for quantitative analysis and low temporal resolution images for morphological detail with improved SNR, reducing the need for multiple injections and enhancing patient experience.
Implementation Method 1
the contrast agent rapidly permeates into blood vessels and extravascular extracellular space, affecting the resonant frequency of adjacent protons, and shortening T1 (longitudinal relaxation time)
Implementation Method 2
After rapid intravenous injection of a paramagnetic contrast agent
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI reconstruction method may include: when preparing to inject a contrast agent and during injection thereof, using a DCE-MRI sequence to scan an imaging target, and using a high temporal resolution scanning parameter value pre-inputted by a user to acquire K-space data of each phase with high temporal resolution; based on the acquired K-space data of each phase with high temporal resolution, reconstructing an image of each phase with high temporal resolution; based on a low temporal resolution reconstruction parameter value pre-inputted by the user, subjecting adjacent K-space data of multiple phases with high temporal resolution to summing and averaging in a complex field, and subjecting K-space data obtained after averaging to image reconstruction, to obtain an image of each phase with low temporal resolution. Advantageously, images with high and low temporal resolution can be obtained simultaneously with just a single DCE-MRI scan.