MRI Single-Dose Contrast Switching for Perfusion and Permeability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current MRI techniques, such as DSC-MRI and DCE-MRI, require separate contrast injections and scans, making it logistically and financially challenging to acquire both T2-weighted and T1-weighted data simultaneously, which limits their combined clinical utility in tumor diagnosis and prognosis.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows an MRI system to automatically switch from acquiring T2-weighted data to T1-weighted data using a single contrast agent dose by monitoring signal values for specific trigger events, enabling the collection of both data types in a single scan session.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate DSC-MRI and DCE-MRI scans are performed with separate contrast injections, then both perfusion and permeability parameters can be obtained, but contrast exposure increases and logistical complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic reliabilityVSAvoidcontradiction between single contrast dose and need for multiple contrast injections

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines DSC-MRI and DCE-MRI acquisitions into a single scan session using a single contrast injection. The system automatically switches between T2*-weighted imaging (for DSC-MRI) and T1-weighted imaging (for DCE-MRI) sequences during the same contrast bolus passage, merging two separate procedures into one unified protocol that obtains both perfusion and permeability parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The MRI system is configured to perform multiple functions (DSC-MRI and DCE-MRI) using a single contrast agent injection. The imaging protocol is designed to extract both T2*-weighted data for perfusion analysis and T1-weighted data for permeability analysis from the same contrast bolus, making the single contrast dose serve multiple diagnostic purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate DSC-MRI and DCE-MRI scans are performed, then comprehensive tumor assessment is achieved, but scan time and logistical complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetumor diagnosis and prognosis accuracyVSAvoidscan time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges DSC-MRI and DCE-MRI acquisitions into a single continuous scan session. The system automatically transitions between imaging sequences without requiring patient repositioning or separate contrast injections, thereby reducing total scan time while maintaining comprehensive tumor assessment capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple contrast injections are administered for separate scans, then complete data acquisition is ensured, but patient safety concerns increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata completenessVSAvoidpatient safety concerns from contrast exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple contrast injections into a single contrast bolus that is used for both DSC-MRI and DCE-MRI acquisitions. This reduces the total amount of contrast agent exposed to the patient while still capturing complete perfusion and permeability data through automated sequence switching during the same contrast passage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 simultaneous acquisition of perfusion and permeability measurements with improved diagnostic reliability and reduced contrast exposure, enhancing the clinical utility of MRI in tumor assessment without the need for multiple contrast injections.

Implementation Method 1

DSC-MRI provides several perfusion-based parameters... because it measures T2 or T*2 changes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectT2* relaxation:

Implementation Method 2

DCE-MRI... being a T1-weighted gradient-recalled echo ('GRE') technique

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectT1 relaxation:

Data Source

PatentUS10353040B2System and method for acquiring both T2*-weighted and T1-weighted data in a single acquisition using a single dose of contrast agent

Publication Date: 2019.07.16 NORTHWESTERN UNIV

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 or 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 or T2*-weighted data to acquiring T1-weighted data. The systems and methods described here can thus be used for a fully automated, single acquisition of perfusion and permeability measurements using only a single dose of contrast agent.