MRF Proton Density Mapping With Receiver Bias Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems face challenges in accurately quantifying proton density due to receiver sensitivity bias, which impairs the precision of proton density mapping and subsequent tissue fraction analysis.
Innovation Solution
A method for correcting receiver bias in magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) by using a series of varied sequence blocks to acquire MRF data, compare it to a dictionary, and apply a fitting method to estimate proton density and sensitivity profile signals, generating quantitative proton density maps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional separate scanning methods are used for T1 mapping, T2 mapping, and proton density (PD) mapping, then each parameter can be measured with dedicated sequences, but the total scanning time is excessive and patient motion between scans degrades image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines T1 mapping, T2 mapping, and PD mapping into a single MRF scan. Multiple tissue parameters are simultaneously acquired through one unified fingerprinting sequence, eliminating the need for separate dedicated scans for each parameter. This merging approach directly reduces total scanning time while maintaining measurement precision through the inherent multi-parameter capability of MRF.
Solution Approach 2:
The MRF sequence serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a T1 mapping sequence, a T2 mapping sequence, and a PD mapping sequence all in one. The universal MRF approach allows extraction of multiple tissue characteristics from a single scan, making the system multi-functional and eliminating the need for multiple specialized sequences.
2Measurement precision
If conventional separate scanning methods are used for T1 mapping, T2 mapping, and proton density (PD) mapping, then each parameter can be measured with dedicated sequences, but patient motion between scans degrades image quality
Solution Approach 1:
By merging T1, T2, and PD mapping into a single MRF acquisition, the patent eliminates inter-scan patient motion. All parameters are captured during one continuous scan, ensuring that tissue characteristics are measured from the same anatomical position without degradation from motion between separate scans.
3Measurement precision
If separate T2 mapping scans are performed, then T2 relaxation times can be measured, but the additional scanning time and potential for patient motion degrade overall image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges T2 mapping with T1 and PD mapping in a single MRF sequence. T2 relaxation information is extracted simultaneously with other tissue parameters through the unified MRF approach, eliminating the need for separate T2 scans and reducing total scanning time while maintaining T2 measurement accuracy.
4Measurement precision
If separate PD mapping scans are performed, then proton density can be measured, but the additional scanning time and potential for patient motion degrade overall image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines PD mapping with T1 and T2 mapping in a single MRF acquisition. Proton density information is extracted simultaneously with other tissue parameters through the unified MRF sequence, eliminating the need for separate PD scans and reducing total scanning time while maintaining PD measurement accuracy.
5Ease of manufacture
If receiver bias is not corrected, then the processing is simpler, but the quantitative accuracy of the tissue characterization is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a receiver bias correction step as an intermediary processing stage between raw MRF data acquisition and final tissue parameter quantification. This correction acts as a mediator that removes systematic offsets from the signal, enabling accurate quantitative measurement of T1, T2, and PD values while maintaining reasonable processing complexity through established correction methodologies.
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
Enables accurate quantitative proton density mapping and absolute tissue fraction analysis, reducing the time required for imaging and improving the precision of tissue characterization.
Implementation Method 1
A system for magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) and receiver bias correction is described
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method is provided for correcting receiver bias during quantitative proton density mapping with magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF). The method comprises acquiring MRF data from a region of interest in a subject by performing a pulse sequence using a series of varied sequence blocks to elicit a series of signal evolutions. The method further comprises comparing the MRF data to a MRF dictionary to simultaneously map proton density and another tissue property from the region of interest, the proton density map having a proton density signal and a receiver sensitivity profile signal. The method also includes quantifying the proton density signal and the receiver sensitivity profile signal using parameters provided by the proton density map and the tissue property map, and generating a quantitative map from the region of interest based on the proton density signal.