Ultrashort Echo Time MRI Fingerprinting with Sinusoidal TE Fluctuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional magnetic resonance technologies face challenges in detecting ultrashort T2 tissues due to low signal intensity and T2* ambiguity, leading to difficulties in quantifying bone tissue parameters, especially in bone and joint diseases, where existing methods are time-consuming and inaccurate.
Innovation Solution
A method for ultrashort echo time magnetic resonance fingerprinting using sinusoidal fluctuation echo time, optimizing echo time parameters, and employing sliding window demodulation to enhance signal detection and accuracy, allowing for simultaneous measurement of T1 and T2 relaxation times in ultrashort T2 tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional magnetic resonance technology is used to detect ultrashort T2 tissues, then the imaging can be performed, but the signal intensity is low and detection accuracy is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic sinusoidal fluctuation of echo time (TE) to modulate the signal from ultrashort T2 tissues. By varying TE periodically according to a sinusoidal pattern, the signal intensity is enhanced through constructive interference, allowing accurate detection of tissues with T2 values as short as 0.1-2ms that were previously undetectable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the echo time parameter dynamically during the imaging sequence rather than using a fixed TE value. By modulating TE according to a sinusoidal function with optimized amplitude and frequency parameters, the system achieves optimal signal intensity for ultrashort T2 tissues while maintaining compatibility with standard MRI sequences
2Measurement precision
If existing methods are used to measure T1 and T2* of bone tissue, then quantitative calculation can be performed, but the scanning time is too long (up to 1 hour)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single imaging sequence. By integrating T1 mapping, T2* mapping, and anatomical imaging into one unified sequence using sinusoidal TE fluctuation, the system achieves comprehensive bone tissue characterization in a single scan, reducing total scanning time from over an hour to a practical clinical duration
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging sequence designed in the patent serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it provides anatomical imaging, quantifies T1 relaxation times, measures T2* relaxation times, and characterizes bone water content. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate scanning protocols for each parameter
3Measurement precision
If the readout window width is limited to avoid T2* ambiguity, then measurement accuracy improves, but the scanning time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By using periodic sinusoidal modulation of echo time, the patent achieves accurate measurement of ultrashort T2 values without requiring an excessively long readout window. The periodic sampling at optimized time points captures the necessary signal information efficiently, maintaining measurement accuracy while improving scanning speed
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 improves the distinguishability and quantitative accuracy of magnetic resonance fingerprint signals for short and ultrashort T2 tissues, reducing scanning time and enhancing bone tissue imaging by directly demodulating the B0 field without additional dictionary calculations, while suppressing long T2 signals.
Implementation Method 1
Traditional magnetic resonance technology can hardly detect the bone, Achilles tendon, meniscus and myelin sheath wall with short T2 or even ultrashort T2 (about 1-10 ms)
Implementation Method 2
Quantitative calculation of a compact bone substance water content requires measuring T1 and T2* of a bone tissue
Implementation Method 3
A method for measuring relaxation time of ultrashort echo time magnetic resonance fingerprinting based on sinusoidal fluctuation echo time
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a method for measuring relaxation time of ultrashort echo time magnetic resonance fingerprinting. In the method, semi-pulse excitation and semi-projection readout are adopted to shorten echo time (TE) to achieve acquisition of an ultrashort T2 time signal; and image acquisition and reconstruction are based on magnetic resonance fingerprint imaging technology. A TE change mode of sinusoidal fluctuation is introduced, so that distinguishing capability of a magnetic resonance fingerprint signal to short T2 and ultrashort T2 tissues is improved, and multi-parameter quantitative imaging of the short T2 and ultrashort T2 tissues and long T2 tissues is realized. Non-uniformity of a magnetic field is modulated into phase information of the fingerprint signal through the TE of the sinusoidal fluctuation; a B0 graph is directly reconstructed according to an amplitude-modulated signal demodulation principle; and the phase change caused by a B0 field is compensated in the fingerprint signal.