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US 10,895,621 B2Granted
Method and apparatus for accurate parametric mapping
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorsKyung Sung, Holden Wu, Novena Rangwala
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Abstract
Systems and methods are disclosed for a simultaneous 3D T1 and B1+ mapping technique based on VFA imaging using a reference region VFA (RR-VFA) approach to eliminate the need for a separate B1+ mapping scan while imaging the prostate. The RR-VFA method assumes the existence of a “reference region” that is distributed throughout the volume of interest and is well characterized by a known T1 relaxation time. In particular, fat is generally selected as the reference region due to its distribution in the body. B1+ inhomogeneity is estimated in the fat tissue and interpolated over the entire volume of interest, thus eliminating the need for an additional scan.
Claims20
An apparatus for parametric imaging of a target tissue, comprising:
- (a) a processor configured for receiving MRI scan data from an MRI scanner configured for generating scans on a specific anatomical location, and reference tissue region data;
- and
- (b) a non-transitory memory storing instructions executable by the processor;
- (c) wherein said instructions, when executed by the processor, perform steps for parametric mapping of the target tissue comprising:
- (i) acquiring MRI scans having one or more images of the target tissue and surrounding target tissues by performing quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) at 3T using three-dimensional RF-spoiled gradient echo images with variable flip angles (VFA) to generate the parametric map comprising T1 measurements, wherein said target tissue comprises a tissue, having an unknown or variable imaging characteristic or parameter;
- (ii) receiving characteristics of an internally or externally added reference tissue region comprising a fat tissue in proximity to or at least partially surrounding the target tissue;
- (iii) identifying and characterizing the reference tissue region within the one or more acquired images, the reference tissue region being adjacent or in proximity to the target tissue within a field of view of the one or more images, the reference tissue region having a known and consistent characteristic parameter within the one or more images and having a consistent characteristic parameter that is known or readily estimated;
- (iv) utilizing the reference region with its consistent characteristic parameter within a recognized model to generate a tissue mask from which an unknown tissue parameter is estimated for the target tissue;
- (v) interpolating the estimated unknown tissue parameter of the reference region over the entire field of view of the one or more images;
- and
- (vi) outputting image data of the one or more images, the image data comprising a parametric map of the target tissue.
8 more elements
A method for parametric imaging of a target tissue, comprising:
- (a) acquiring MRI scans having one or more images of the target tissue and surrounding target tissues by performing quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) at 3T using three-dimensional RF-spoiled gradient echo images with variable flip angles (VFA) to generate the parametric map comprising T1 measurements, wherein said target tissue comprises a tissue, having an unknown or variable characteristic parameter;
- (b) receiving characteristics of an internally or externally added reference tissue region comprising a fat tissue in proximity to or at least partially surrounding the target tissue;
- (c) identifying and characterizing the reference tissue region within the one or more acquired images, the reference tissue region being adjacent or in proximity to the target tissue within a field of view of the one or more images, the reference tissue region having a known and consistent characteristic parameter within the one or more images and having a consistent characteristic parameter that is known or readily estimated;
- (d) utilizing the reference region with its consistent characteristic parameter within a recognized model to generate a tissue mask from which an unknown tissue parameter is estimated for the target tissue;
- (e) interpolating the estimated unknown tissue parameter of the reference region over the entire field of view of the one or more images;
- and
- (f) outputting image data of the one or more images, the image data comprising a parametric map of the target tissue;
- (g) wherein said method is performed by a processor, configured for receiving MRI scan data from an MRI scanner configured for generating scans on a specific anatomical location, and reference tissue region data, for executing instructions stored on a non-transitory medium.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.