UTE MRI Collagen Detection via Bi-Exponential Signal Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting diffuse myocardial fibrosis, such as endomyocardial biopsy and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) techniques, are invasive, non-specific, or unsuitable for uniform collagen distribution, necessitating a non-invasive and accurate imaging technique to quantify collagen in the heart.
Innovation Solution
The use of ultra-short echo time (UTE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect collagen by fitting the signal decay to a bi-exponential model, specifically identifying the modulation frequency and decay terms associated with collagen, allowing for the measurement of collagen presence and quantity in tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If endomyocardial biopsy is used to measure collagen volume fraction, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but invasiveness increases and sampling error susceptibility worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical invasive biopsy procedure with a non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging system that uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency pulses to detect and quantify collagen in the myocardium, eliminating the need for physical tissue sampling while maintaining measurement accuracy
2Ease of operation
If late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) is used for myocardial fibrosis characterization, then imaging capability is improved, but detection suitability for diffuse fibrosis worsens due to uniform collagen distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from gadolinium-based contrast enhancement to intrinsic T2* relaxation time measurement, which is sensitive to collagen content regardless of uniform distribution patterns, enabling reliable detection of diffuse myocardial fibrosis without requiring non-uniform collagen deposition
3Measurement precision
If T1 mapping with gadolinium-based contrast agents is used, then extracellular volume fraction measurement is improved, but collagen specificity worsens due to governance by gadolinium kinetics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the collagen detection capability from gadolinium-based contrast mechanisms by utilizing intrinsic T2* relaxation properties of collagen-containing tissue, thereby achieving collagen-specific detection without the confounding effects of gadolinium kinetics and extracellular volume dependencies
4Device complexity
If conventional pulse sequences are used for MRI, then imaging simplicity is maintained, but detection capability for short T2* tissues like collagen worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs ultra-short echo time pulse sequences with periodic radiofrequency excitation and rapid data acquisition, using multiple echo trains to accumulate sufficient signal from short T2* collagen protons while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized imaging protocols
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 non-invasive and accurate detection and quantification of collagen in the heart, improving diagnosis of diffuse myocardial fibrosis and potentially preventing late-stage heart failure.
Implementation Method 1
Systems and methods are provided for detecting collagen within tissue using magnetic resonance imaging
Implementation Method 2
spectroscopy or spectroscopic imaging is employed to measure the free induction decay within at least one region of interest
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for detecting collagen within tissue using magnetic resonance imaging. In some embodiments, pulse sequences are employed to measure signals at multiple TE values including ultra-short echo times, and the TE dependence of the measured signal is fitted to a mathematical function including at least two decay terms, where the first (initial) decay term is modulated and is associated with the presence of collagen. In another example embodiment, spectroscopy or spectroscopic imaging is employed to measure the free induction decay within at least one region of interest, and the time-dependence of the measured signal is fitted to a mathematical function including at least two decay terms, where the first decay term is modulated and is associated with the presence of collagen. In some embodiments, the methods described herein may be employed for the detection and/or assessment of myocardial fibrosis.