Multi-Contrast MRI Sequence for Atherosclerotic Plaque Characterization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional MRI protocols for atherosclerosis detection face challenges due to misregistration between image sets caused by inter-scan motion, leading to compromised evaluation accuracy and inefficiency in assessing atherosclerotic plaques.

Innovation Solution

The method involves acquiring multiple spatially co-registered 3D image sets in an interleaved fashion during a single scan using an MRI machine, incorporating non-selective inversion pulses, flow-sensitive dephasing preparations, and varying contrast weightings like black-blood hyper T1-weighting, grey-blood, and black-blood T2-weighting to characterize atherosclerotic lesions effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional MRI protocols use multiple separate scans to acquire different contrast weightings, then comprehensive plaque characterization is achieved, but misregistration between image sets occurs due to inter-scan motion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplaque characterization accuracyVSAvoidimage registration consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple contrast-weighted image acquisitions (T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and bright-blood images) into a single integrated MRI scan sequence. This merging approach ensures that all image sets are acquired simultaneously from the same anatomical position, eliminating misregistration issues while maintaining comprehensive plaque characterization capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If multiple separate MRI scans are performed to obtain different contrasts, then complete plaque assessment is possible, but scan time increases and patient motion occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplaque assessment completenessVSAvoidtotal scan duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple contrast acquisitions into a single scan sequence, reducing total scan time while maintaining complete plaque assessment capability. The integrated sequence acquires T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and bright-blood images sequentially within one positioning session, preventing patient motion between scans.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The MRI sequence employs periodic acquisition of different contrast weightings within a single scan cycle. The sequence alternates between different pulse sequence modules (inversion recovery for T1, standard spin echo for T2, and gradient echo for bright-blood) in a structured periodic pattern, ensuring all contrasts are obtained during one continuous scan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If conventional sequential scanning is used for different contrasts, then adequate signal-to-noise ratio is achieved, but spatial misalignment occurs between image sets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidspatial alignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges all contrast acquisitions into a single spatial reference frame by performing them sequentially within one scan position. The image reconstruction process inherently aligns all contrasts to the same anatomical coordinates, eliminating spatial misalignment while preserving adequate signal-to-noise ratio through optimized pulse sequence parameters.

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

This approach enables accurate and efficient characterization of atherosclerotic plaques by providing comprehensive, spatially consistent imaging within minutes, improving plaque assessment by identifying features such as hemorrhage, calcification, and necrotic cores, and differentiating between new and old hemorrhages.

Implementation Method 1

applying a non-selective inversion pulse to a volume of interest (VOI) in a subject

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic resonance inversion: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

applying a first flow-sensitive dephasing (FSD) preparation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow-sensitive dephasing: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS9554727B2Atherosclerosis characterization using a multi-contrast MRI sequence

Publication Date: 2017.01.31 CEDARS SINAI MEDICAL CENT

AI summary

The present invention relates to imaging and characterizing atherosclerotic lesions. The invention utilizes a low-flip-angle gradient echo-based MRI acquisition technique combined with specialized magnetization preparative schemes (i.e. non-selective inversion and FSD), and multiple co-registered 3D image sets with different contrast weightings are collected in an interleaved fashion. Using the inventive method, a single scan allows for comprehensive assessment of atherosclerotic plaque within just a few minutes.