Phosphorus MRI Coil and Reconstruction for Faster Metabolic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern MRI scanners struggle to create clinically useful phosphorus images due to low concentrations, wide chemical shift, low resonance frequency, and poor MR sensitivity, limiting the detection of metabolic abnormalities in diseases.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a multi-channel MR coil tuned for phosphorus signals, a phosphorus pulse sequence, and improved reconstruction/denoising algorithms to generate phosphorus MRI images on a standard MRI system in a clinically reasonable scan time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional proton-based MRI is used, then anatomical structures can be visualized, but metabolic abnormalities cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The MRI system is configured to perform both proton imaging and phosphorus imaging using the same scanner hardware, enabling it to provide both anatomical structures and metabolic information through a single multi-functional system
2Measurement precision
If phosphorus imaging is attempted with conventional methods, then metabolic information can be obtained, but scan time becomes unreasonably long
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes key imaging parameters including using a multi-channel coil array with optimized geometry, adjusted RF pulse sequences, and modified reconstruction algorithms to reduce scan time while maintaining metabolic information detection capability
3Measurement precision
If phosphorus imaging is performed with standard coils, then metabolic processes can be visualized, but signal sensitivity remains poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a multi-channel coil array where each coil element is specifically designed and positioned to optimize sensitivity to phosphorus signals from different anatomical regions, with coil geometry and placement tailored to maximize signal detection from low-concentration phosphorus compounds
4Measurement precision
If phosphorus imaging is attempted, then metabolic information can be obtained, but the wide chemical shift range complicates the imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging process is divided into separate acquisition phases and uses segmented k-space sampling strategies, allowing the wide chemical shift range to be handled through multiple targeted measurements rather than requiring a single complex sequence
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 visualization of metabolic processes and detection of diseases through phosphorus imaging, providing structural and metabolic information with improved sensitivity and reduced scan time.
Implementation Method 1
phosphorous magnetic resonance imaging
Implementation Method 2
radio frequency (RF) system...configured to excite phosphorous spins and acquire second data from the subject, wherein the second data are indicative of phosphorous signals
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure addresses the challenges of in vivo phosphorus imaging by providing a clinically useful phosphorus MRI (PMRI) system and method that may be performed on a standard MRI system in a clinically reasonable scan time using specifically tuned coils, a phosphorus pulse sequence, and improved reconstruction and post processing algorithms.