Dynamic Contrast Agent Modeling in MR Fingerprinting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging techniques, such as synthetic magnetic resonance (MR) and MR fingerprinting, do not effectively incorporate contrast agent-related parameters, leading to inadequate differentiation between tissues and assessment of diseases due to assuming constant contrast agent concentrations during image acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine and generate signal evolutions based on varying contrast agent concentrations over time, using a computer system to analyze parameters associated with a volume in an object across sequence blocks, allowing for the inclusion of contrast-related parameters in the imaging process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If contrast agent concentration is assumed constant during image acquisition, then image processing is simplified, but tissue differentiation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static assumption of constant contrast agent concentration to a dynamic model where concentration varies over time. The system determines contrast agent concentration at multiple time points during image acquisition and incorporates these temporal variations into the imaging process, enabling accurate tissue differentiation while accounting for the dynamic nature of contrast agent distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the contrast agent concentration parameter over time during image acquisition. Instead of treating concentration as a fixed parameter, the system models and measures concentration changes at different time points, integrating these parameter variations into the imaging and analysis process to improve tissue characterization
2Measurement precision
If contrast agent diffusion into tissue is monitored over time, then tissue characterization improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining contrast agent concentration values at multiple time points before final image reconstruction. The system performs preliminary measurements and calculations of concentration dynamics, storing these results for use in the final imaging process, thereby reducing the computational burden and processing time during actual image acquisition and reconstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by selecting specific key time points for contrast agent concentration measurement rather than continuous monitoring. The system determines concentration at strategically chosen moments during the imaging sequence, capturing sufficient information to characterize tissue properties without requiring exhaustive temporal sampling, thus balancing accuracy with processing efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system determine, with a computer system including one or more processors, a plurality of parameters associated with a volume in an object over time in a series of sequence blocks. In a sequence block in the series of sequence blocks, the plurality of parameters are determined as occurring simultaneously in the volume in the object. At least one parameter of the plurality of parameters varies from the sequence block to another sequence block in the series of sequence blocks, and the plurality of parameters include a contrast related parameter associated with a concentration of a contrast agent in the volume in the object over time in the series of sequence blocks. The computer system generates a signal evolution based on the plurality of parameters of the volume in the object over time in the series of sequence blocks, the signal evolution defining the contrast related parameter over time in the series of sequence blocks.