Simultaneous DCE and DSC MRI via Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) and dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques require separate scans and multiple contrast injections, leading to inaccuracies and increased scan time due to variations in B0 and B1 fields, which can be hazardous for individuals with compromised renal function.
Innovation Solution
The method employs magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) to simultaneously estimate quantitative perfusion parameters by optimizing acquisition parameters for an MRI system to generate multiple relaxation maps, reducing the need for separate scans and contrast injections, using an optimized schedule of flip angle and repetition time to maximize discrimination between tissues and minimize measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate DCE-MRI and DSC-MRI scans are performed, then comprehensive tissue perfusion characterization is achieved, but total scan time increases and multiple contrast injections are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines DCE-MRI and DSC-MRI into a single simultaneous acquisition using magnetic resonance fingerprinting. Multiple pulse sequences with varying TR and TE parameters are executed concurrently, capturing both T1-weighted contrast-enhanced signals and T2*-weighted susceptibility signals in one scan, thereby eliminating the need for separate scans and reducing total scan time
Solution Approach 2:
The MRI system performs multiple functions simultaneously by executing diverse pulse sequences (gradient echo, spin echo, turbo spin echo) with different TR/TE combinations within a single scan. This multi-functional approach enables simultaneous acquisition of T1, T2, and T2* relaxation information along with perfusion data, replacing the need for multiple dedicated scans
2Measurement precision
If multiple contrast injections are used to reduce leakage errors, then measurement accuracy improves, but safety risks increase for individuals with compromised renal function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs B0 and B1 field corrections during the initial scan using field mapping and shimming procedures before contrast administration. By pre-correcting field inhomogeneities and establishing accurate baseline relaxation parameters, the method reduces measurement errors from leakage and field variations without requiring multiple contrast injections, thereby minimizing safety risks
3Measurement precision
If B0 and B1 field variations are corrected through additional scanning, then measurement accuracy improves, but scan time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates field mapping and shimming corrections during the initial pulse sequence execution rather than requiring separate correction scans. B0 field variations are corrected through real-time field mapping, and B1 field inhomogeneities are addressed through flip angle calibration, establishing accurate relaxation parameters in a single integrated scan
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically varies TR and TE parameters across multiple pulse sequences to simultaneously capture T1, T2, and T2* relaxation information. By changing acquisition parameters rather than performing additional scans, the method obtains comprehensive relaxation data with improved accuracy while maintaining reduced scan time
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 reduces the number of contrast doses and shortens the total scan time while providing high temporal resolution and accurate perfusion maps, minimizing errors in computed parameters.
Implementation Method 1
Longitudinal relaxation parameters and transverse relaxation parameters are simultaneously estimated by comparing the acquired contrast-enhanced data with a dictionary database comprising a plurality of different signal evolution templates
Implementation Method 2
dynamic susceptibility contrast ('DSC') MRI typically use T1-weighted or T2*-weighted images to characterize tissue perfusion properties
Data Source
AI summary
Quantitative perfusion parameter maps can be generated based on multiple different relaxation parameter maps that are simultaneously produced from images acquired using contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) techniques.