Computerized Optical Analysis of MR Images for Liver Lesion Quantification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing liver steatosis and steatohepatitis, such as liver biopsies and ultrasonography, are invasive, subjective, and lack sensitivity, leading to missed diagnoses and limitations in monitoring disease progression and therapeutic effects.
Innovation Solution
Computerized optical analysis of non-contrast-enhanced MR images enables the detection of steatohepatitis and significant fibrosis in patients with NAFLD, using specific MRI protocols and image processing techniques to quantify lesions and predict disease progression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If liver biopsy is performed to diagnose liver steatosis and steatohepatitis, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but patient discomfort and procedural risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical invasive procedure of liver biopsy with a non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based optical analysis system. The MRI system uses magnetic fields and radio waves to generate images of liver tissue, eliminating the need for physical needle insertion and tissue sampling, thereby maintaining diagnostic accuracy while removing patient discomfort and procedural risks associated with biopsy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces MRI imaging as an intermediary between the patient and diagnostic assessment. Instead of directly sampling liver tissue through biopsy, the system uses MRI sequences to capture indirect information about liver composition and pathology, which is then processed through optical analysis algorithms to provide accurate diagnosis without direct tissue intervention
2Ease of operation
If ultrasonography is used to diagnose liver steatosis, then the procedure is non-invasive and easy to perform, but diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters used for liver assessment from ultrasound echo intensity measurements to MRI-based optical properties and signal intensities. By utilizing multiple MRI sequences with different contrast mechanisms (T1-weighted, T2-weighted, in-phase/out-of-phase imaging), the system achieves superior diagnostic sensitivity while maintaining the non-invasive and operationally simple characteristics of ultrasonography
3Device complexity
If conventional MRI protocols are used for liver imaging, then the imaging process is straightforward, but the ability to detect and quantify steatohepatitis and fibrosis deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the liver imaging process into multiple specialized MRI sequences, each optimized for detecting specific pathological features. The protocol includes T1-weighted imaging for anatomical reference, T2-weighted imaging for fluid and inflammation detection, and in-phase/out-of-phase imaging for quantifying hepatic steatosis. This segmentation allows comprehensive detection of steatohepatitis and fibrosis while maintaining protocol organization and manageability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI sequences that capture temporal changes in tissue signal characteristics during contrast agent circulation. This dynamic approach enables differentiation between various liver pathologies including steatohepatitis and fibrosis by analyzing how different tissue types enhance and wash out contrast, thereby improving lesion detection accuracy without significantly increasing protocol complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides computerized optical analysis methods of conventional, preferablynon-contrast-enhanced,MR (magnetic resonance) images of the liver, said methods enable the detection of steatohepatitis by NASH-MRI and significant fibrosis by Fibro-MRI in patients suffering from NAFLD. By using the methods of the present invention it is possible to forecast the rate of disease progression, to support therapeutic decision-making, and to monitor potential therapeutic effects.