MRI Single-Dose Contrast Acquisition for Perfusion and Permeability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI systems require separate sessions and full doses of contrast agent for perfusion and permeability measurements, making the process expensive and inconvenient for patients, while also compromising measurement accuracy due to non-optimal contrast levels.
Innovation Solution
A method for an MRI system to acquire both T2*-weighted and T1-weighted data using a single dose of contrast agent, where the system switches from T2*-weighted to T1-weighted pulse sequence based on monitored signal values, allowing for the computation of perfusion and permeability measurements in a single imaging session.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate sessions are used for perfusion and permeability measurements, then measurement accuracy is maintained with full doses of contrast agent, but patient convenience deteriorates and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines perfusion-weighted imaging and permeability-weighted imaging into a single data acquisition session. The system acquires both T2*-weighted data (for perfusion) and T1-weighted data (for permeability) simultaneously or sequentially within the same contrast agent administration, eliminating the need for separate patient visits while maintaining full contrast dosage for both measurements.
2Quantity of substance
If a single dose of contrast agent is used for both perfusion and permeability measurements, then patient exposure and costs are reduced, but measurement accuracy is compromised due to non-optimal contrast levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically switches between T2*-weighted pulse sequences (optimized for perfusion during first-pass contrast) and T1-weighted pulse sequences (optimized for permeability during steady-state). This dynamic adaptation allows the system to capture optimal signal characteristics for both measurements using a single contrast dosage, as each sequence is activated at the appropriate time point in the contrast kinetics.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If separate administrations of contrast agent are used for perfusion and permeability studies, then patient exposure to contrast agent is minimized, but measurement accuracy is compromised by non-optimal levels of contrast agent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges perfusion and permeability measurements into a single contrast agent administration event. By coordinating both measurement types within one bolus injection and using trigger events to switch between imaging sequences, the system achieves accurate perfusion and permeability data while minimizing total contrast exposure to a single optimized dose rather than multiple suboptimal doses.
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 the automatic collection of both perfusion-weighted and permeability data using a single full dose of contrast agent, reducing patient exposure and costs, while maintaining accurate measurement capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
directing a magnetic resonance imaging ('MRI') system to acquire both T2*-weighted data and T1-weighted data from a subject in which a single dose of contrast agent is present
Data Source
AI summary
Described here are systems and methods for obtaining measurements of both tissue perfusion and permeability with a magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) system after the administration of a single dose of contrast agent. To this end, the MRI system is directed to acquire T2*-weighted data, during which the acquired signal values are monitored for a trigger event. When the trigger event occurs, the MRI system is directed to switch from acquiring the T2*-weighted data to acquiring T1-weighted data. The systems and methods of the present invention can thus be used for a fully automated, single acquisition of perfusion and permeability measurements using only a single dose of contrast agent.