Multi-Echo MRI Sequence for Tumor Biomarker Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods for tumor detection and delineation lack efficiency in deriving multiple biomarkers from a single scan, leading to suboptimal sensitivity and specificity in diagnosis, particularly in the context of tumor detection before or after treatment.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a steady-state imaging sequence that samples multiple coherence pathways to generate multiple echo signals, allowing derivation of susceptibility, conductivity, and T2 weighted information from a single scan, combined with deep learning for tissue boundary segmentation, to provide comprehensive biomarker imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple separate MRI sequences are used to acquire different biomarkers (susceptibility, conductivity, T2 weighted images), then comprehensive tumor detection information is obtained, but scan time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple MRI sequences (susceptibility-weighted imaging, conductivity mapping, and T2-weighted imaging) into a single multi-echo steady-state acquisition sequence. This merging allows simultaneous capture of multiple biomarkers in one scan, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive information acquisition and scan time efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-echo steady-state sequence serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates susceptibility information from phase data, conductivity information from magnitude and phase combinations, and T2-weighted images from magnitude data. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated sequences for each biomarker.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate MRI sequences are performed to obtain different tissue contrasts, then diagnostic accuracy improves, but the complexity of the imaging protocol increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging protocols into a single unified multi-echo steady-state sequence that simultaneously provides susceptibility-weighted, conductivity-mapped, and T2-weighted contrasts. This consolidation maintains diagnostic accuracy while reducing protocol complexity from multiple separate sequences to one integrated sequence.
3Ease of operation
If conventional MRI sequences are used for tumor detection, then the imaging process is simple, but sensitivity and specificity for tumor delineation are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-echo steady-state sequence provides multiple tissue contrasts (susceptibility, conductivity, T2 weighting) from a single scan, enhancing tumor detection sensitivity and specificity without significantly increasing operational complexity. The sequence maintains ease of use while delivering superior diagnostic reliability through multi-parametric tissue characterization.
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 time-efficient acquisition of various image contrasts, enhancing tumor detection sensitivity and specificity by co-localizing imaging information, potentially without the need for contrast agents, and improving diagnostic accuracy through well-coordinated biomarker representation.
Implementation Method 1
Image-forming magnetic resonance methods that utilize the interaction between magnetic fields and nuclear spins in order to form two-dimensional or three-dimensional images
Implementation Method 2
deriving at least one magnitude image and at least one phase map from the acquired echo signals, which phase map represents the spatial RF field distribution induced by the RF pulses in the object
Implementation Method 3
the imaging sequence comprises diffusion weighting magnetic field gradients
Implementation Method 4
deriving susceptibility information from the magnetic resonance imaging data
Implementation Method 5
deriving conductivity information from the magnetic resonance imaging data
Implementation Method 6
deriving T2 weighted information from the magnetic resonance imaging data
Data Source
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Figure 4(A)~5(F)
AI summary
Methods and systems for magnetic resonance imaging are presented. According to an aspect of the invention a method is disclosed, comprising: obtaining magnetic resonance imaging data by subjecting the patient to a steady-state imaging sequence that samples multiple coherence pathways, wherein two or more echo signals are generated in each interval between successive radiofrequency pulses; deriving susceptibility information from the magnetic resonance imaging data; outputting to a display an image based on the susceptibility information. The invention further provides a time-efficient single scan method from which various image contrasts can be derived, such as for example susceptibility with a combination of any of the T2 weighted image, diffusion weighted image and conductivity, all representing various biomarkers of which combination can lead to distinguishing different types of diseases and/or to distinguishing stages in evolution of a specific disease type (e.g., cancer).