Multi-Parametric MRI Acquisition for Faster Accurate Tissue Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI methods require multiple separate scans to measure multiple physical properties of an object, leading to inaccurate results due to modeling with assumed values and excessive scan time.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for combined measurement of multiple physical properties using a single MR scan, employing R2 and R1 sensitizing phases with multiple parallel, segmented acquisitions to measure echoes at different echo times, allowing for accurate calculation of properties like R1, R2, T1, T2, proton density, and fat fractions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate MR scans are performed to measure different physical properties, then measurement coverage is improved, but scan time increases and measurement accuracy decreases due to modeling assumptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate MR scans into a single integrated scan that simultaneously measures multiple physical properties (T1, T2, proton density, and fat fraction) of the same anatomical section. This is achieved by acquiring multiple echoes at different echo times within a single scan sequence, eliminating the need for separate scans and reducing total scan time while improving accuracy through consistent measurement conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous measurement of multiple physical properties throughout a single uninterrupted scan sequence. By continuously acquiring echo signals at different time points within the same scan, the system maintains consistent measurement conditions and eliminates gaps between separate scans, thereby reducing total measurement time while maintaining or improving measurement accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate MR scans are performed to measure different physical properties, then comprehensive measurement is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to modeling with assumed values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement of multiple physical properties (T1 relaxation time, T2 relaxation time, proton density, and fat fraction) into a single scan sequence. By simultaneously acquiring multiple echoes at different echo times and using these signals to calculate all properties from the same data set, the system eliminates the need for modeling assumptions required when properties are measured separately, thereby improving calculation accuracy while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from the acquired echo signals at different echo times to iteratively calculate multiple physical properties. The measured signal intensities at various echo times provide feedback that allows simultaneous determination of T1, T2, proton density, and fat fraction without requiring assumed values for any of the properties, thereby improving measurement accuracy while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple separate MR scans are performed to measure different physical properties, then property coverage is improved, but scan efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the measurement of four different physical properties (T1, T2, proton density, and fat fraction) into a single MR scan sequence. By acquiring multiple echoes at different echo times within one scan and processing these signals to extract all properties simultaneously, the system measures the same quantity of physical information as separate scans would provide but with significantly improved scan efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal MR scan sequence that performs multiple measurement functions simultaneously. The single scan sequence is designed to acquire data for calculating T1 relaxation time, T2 relaxation time, proton density, and fat fraction all in one go, making the scanning system multi-functional and greatly improving productivity compared to performing separate specialized scans for each property.
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 accurate calculation of multiple physical properties with reduced scan time by using a single MR scan, improving measurement accuracy and reducing the need for multiple scans.
Implementation Method 1
The MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) techniques are generally based on relaxation properties of excited hydrogen nuclei (protons) of an object under test. When the object is placed in a powerful, uniform magnetic field of an MR scanning device, the spins of the atomic nuclei of water in the object with non-integer spin numbers within the object all align either parallel or anti-parallel to the magnetic field.
Implementation Method 2
The loss of coherence of the spin system attenuates the MRI signal with a time constant called a transverse relaxation time (T2).
Implementation Method 3
Concurrently, the magnetization vector slowly relaxes towards its equilibrium orientation that is parallel to the magnetic field by a time constant called longitudinal relaxation time (T1).
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of the present inventive concept there is provided a method of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of an object positioned in an examination volume of an MR scanning device, the method comprising: acquiring, by the MR scanning device, multiple parallel, segmented acquisitions from the object, comprising: applying an R2 sensitizing phase; acquiring a first acquisition; applying an R1 sensitizing phase; acquiring a second acquisition; waiting for a delay time; and acquiring a third acquisition; wherein each acquisition comprises measuring at least three echoes at different echo times (TE); calculating multiple physical properties of the object based on at least some of the at least three acquisitions.