US 6,564,085 B2 · Method and apparatus for magnetic resonance arteriography using contrast agents

Abstract

The present invention is a technique of, and system for, imaging vascular anatomy over distance considerably greater than the maximum practical field of view of a magnetic resonance imaging system while using substantially one contrast agent injection. The technique and system of the present invention acquires image data of a plurality of image volumes which are representative of different portions of the patient's body. The image data of each image volume includes image data which is representative of the center of k-space. The acquisition of image data which is representative of the center of k-space is correlated with a concentration of contrast agent in the artery(ies) residing in the image volume being substantially greater than the concentration of contrast agent in veins and background tissue adjacent to the artery(ies). This provides preferential enhancement of arteries relative to adjacent veins and background tissue for each acquisition, wherein each acquisition is representative of a different portion of the arterial system (e.g., abdominal aorta, femoral, popliteal, and tibial arteries).

Claims21

Dependent claims

A method of imaging arteries in a patient using a magnetic resonance imaging system and a magnetic resonance contrast agent, wherein the arteries include a first artery which is located in a first image volume and a second artery which is located in a second image volume, and wherein the magnetic resonance contrast agent is administered to the patient via substantially one injection, the method comprising:

positioning the patient at a first location to define a first field of view which encompasses the first artery, wherein the first artery is in an abdomen of the patient;
collecting magnetic resonance image data of the first image volume, wherein at least a portion of the image data of the first image volume is collected during an arterial phase of contrast enhancement of the first artery;
positioning the patient at a second location to define a second field of view which encompasses the second artery, wherein the second artery is in at least one of a pelvis, leg or foot of the patient;
and
collecting magnetic resonance image data of the second image volume, wherein at least a portion of the image data of the second image volume is collected during an arterial phase of contrast enhancement of the second artery.

2 more elements

A method of imaging arteries in a patient using a magnetic resonance imaging system, wherein the arteries include a first artery which is located in a first image volume and a second artery which is located in a second image volume, the method comprising:

positioning the patient in a first location to define a first field of view which encompasses the first artery wherein the first artery is an aorta of the patient;
injecting a magnetic resonance contrast agent of substantially one injection into the patient;
collecting magnetic resonance image data of the first image volume, wherein the center of k-space of the magnetic resonance image data of the first image volume is collected during an arterial phase of contrast enhancement of the first artery;
positioning the patient in a second location to define a second field of view which encompasses the second artery wherein the second artery is one of a femoral artery, a popliteal artery or a tibial artery of the patient;
and
collecting magnetic resonance image data of the second image volume, wherein the center of k-space of the magnetic resonance image data of the second image volume is collected during an arterial phase of contrast enhancement of the second artery.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method and apparatus for magnetic resonance arteriography using contrast agents

Life of this patent

Method and apparatus for magnetic resonance arteriography using contrast agents

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21