R2CR* Map for Accurate Iron Depiction in MRI
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI methods for evaluating iron deposition in tissues are inaccurate in regions with high fat percentage, as they require radiologists to interpret multiple maps simultaneously, which is inconvenient and confusing.
Innovation Solution
A clinically relevant R2CR* map is generated based on the effective R2eff*, water R2w*, and fat R2f* values, using a system that selects the most appropriate transverse relaxation rate for each image element based on the proportion of fat, water, or their mixture, allowing for accurate iron deposition evaluation in a single map.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple R2* maps (effective, water, fat) are generated to accurately evaluate iron deposition in different tissue regions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the need to read and compare multiple maps simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple R2* maps (effective R2eff*, water R2w*, and fat R2f*) into a single integrated map that displays all three values simultaneously. This merging approach allows radiologists to evaluate iron deposition accuracy across different tissue regions without the complexity of comparing separate maps, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The single map serves multiple functions by displaying effective R2eff*, water R2w*, and fat R2f* values together, enabling the system to handle different tissue compositions (high water, high fat, or mixed regions) within one unified interface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate map interpretations while preserving evaluation accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If multiple R2* maps are displayed to evaluate iron deposition in high fat percentage regions, then measurement precision is improved, but the quantity of information to process increases, making the evaluation difficult and confusing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges three separate R2* maps into a single composite display that shows effective R2eff*, water R2w*, and fat R2f* values simultaneously. This reduces the quantity of separate maps from three to one, making the evaluation less confusing while maintaining the precision needed to accurately assess iron deposition in high fat percentage regions.
3Measurement precision
If water R2w* is used to evaluate iron deposition in high fat percentage regions, then measurement precision improves for water-rich tissues, but accuracy deteriorates in fat-rich regions where iron deposition has little influence on fat R2f*
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by displaying all three R2* values (effective, water, and fat) for each pixel, allowing the system to adapt to local tissue composition. In water-rich regions, water R2w* provides accurate iron deposition reflection, while in fat-rich regions, fat R2f* or effective R2eff* can be referenced. This local adaptation ensures reliable evaluation accuracy across diverse tissue types without requiring separate processing.
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
The R2CR* map provides an accurate and clinically relevant representation of iron deposition in tissues, reducing the complexity of interpreting multiple maps and improving the evaluation of iron deposition in tissues with varying fat content.
Implementation Method 1
Evaluation of iron deposition in tissue is of clinical interest as many diseases influence the iron deposition in tissue or organs. Evaluation of iron deposition may be achieved through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Implementation Method 2
It is known that iron deposition influences the tissue transverse relaxation values (T2 or T2*) or relaxation rates (R2=1/T2 or R2*=1/T2*), and these values can be measured by MRI.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to evaluating properties of tissues with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A MR image is used to measure a characteristic that influences a particular chemical property of a tissue. In an exemplary embodiment, tissue transverse relaxation values or relaxation rates, which can readily be measured from MR images, are used to evaluate iron deposition in tissue. Iron deposition influences the tissue transverse relaxation values (T2 or T2*) or relaxation rates (R2=1/T2 or R2*=1/T2*). A clinically relevant R2CR* map is calculated based on the known values of the effective R2eff*, the water R2w*, and the fat R2f* by incorporating the most relevant value for each individual image element of a plurality of image elements of an MR image of the tissue. The clinically relevant R2CR* map provides an accurate evaluation of iron deposition in any region of the tissue with the use of one map.