MRI Workstation Display of Contrast Agent Concentration Over Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing MRI systems inaccurately classify tissue types based on signal intensity curves due to non-linear relationships between signal intensity and contrast agent concentration, which are influenced by scanner parameters such as TR, TE, and flip angle, leading to incorrect diagnoses.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) review workstation that displays contrast agent concentration as a function of time, normalizing signal intensity ratios using pre-contrast relaxation values to accurately reflect absorption rates, independent of imaging system or protocol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If signal intensity curves are used to classify tissue types, then tissue classification can be performed, but the classification accuracy deteriorates due to non-linear relationships between signal intensity and contrast agent concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the display parameter from signal intensity to contrast agent concentration. By computing and displaying contrast agent concentration as a function of time based on pre-contrast relaxation values and signal intensity ratios, the system changes the parameter representation to achieve a linear relationship that accurately reflects physiological absorption rates, thereby resolving the classification accuracy problem while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces contrast agent concentration as an intermediary parameter between signal intensity and tissue classification. This intermediary transforms the non-linear signal intensity data into a linear concentration representation that directly correlates with physiological processes, enabling accurate tissue classification without being influenced by scanner parameter variations
2Adaptability or versatility
If scanner parameters such as TR, TE, and flip angle are used for imaging, then imaging flexibility is improved, but the reliability of tissue characterization deteriorates due to parameter-dependent signal intensity variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the display parameter from scanner-dependent signal intensity to scanner-independent contrast agent concentration. By normalizing signal intensity ratios using pre-contrast relaxation values, the system eliminates the influence of TR, TE, and flip angle variations, ensuring reliable tissue characterization across different imaging protocols while preserving imaging flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an equipotential reference frame by using pre-contrast relaxation values as a baseline. This reference allows normalization of signal intensity data across different scanner parameters, making the contrast agent concentration calculation independent of specific imaging conditions and ensuring consistent tissue characterization reliability
3Reliability
If normalized signal intensity ratios are displayed, then scanner parameter independence is improved, but the accuracy of absorption rate indication deteriorates due to non-linear signal-concentration relationships
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the parameter representation from normalized signal intensity ratios to contrast agent concentration. This transformation applies the appropriate physical relationship between signal and concentration, converting the dimensionless ratio into a physically meaningful concentration value that linearly reflects absorption rates, thereby achieving both scanner parameter independence and measurement precision
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonant imaging (MRI) review workstation includes a control processor, and a display integrated or otherwise operatively coupled with the control processor, wherein the control processor is configured to receive and analyze magnetic resonant imaging information pertaining to an imaged volume of tissue, and to cause to be displayed on the display output information that reflects or is otherwise indicative of an absorption rate of a contrast agent in the volume of tissue.