MRI methods using diffusion tensor imaging techniques and MRI systems embodying same

A MRI scanning system configured so as to perform diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DTI-MRI), said MRI scanning system comprising:

• a MRI data acquiring apparatus to generate the magnetic and RF fields to cause magnetic resonance (MR) signals to be generated by an object being observed;
• a MR signal detection apparatus that detects the generated MR signals and outputs signals representative of image data corresponding to the received MR signals;
• a computer operably coupled to the MR signal detection apparatus that receives and processes the image data;
• and
• an applications program for execution on the computer, the applications program including code segments, instructions and criteria for:
• evaluating the acquired image data for acquired DWI(s) data using an algorithm and determining if any of the acquired DWI(s) is corrupted;
• automatically removing the DWI(s) or pixel(s) determined to be corrupted;
• automatically removing the DWI(s) or pixel(s) determined to be corrupted;
• and
• reacquiring data for the removed DWI(s) or pixel(s) to re-evaluate the data;
• wherein said evaluating, determining, removing, and reacquiring are performed in real time during initial acquisition of the MRI data and prior to complete acquisition of all of the MRI data.

A non-transitory storage medium on which is stored an applications program that is executable on a computer, said applications program including code segments, instructions and criteria for:

• evaluating the acquired image data for acquired DWI(s) data using an algorithm and determining if any of the acquired DWI(s) or pixel(s) is corrupted;
• automatically removing the DWI(s) determined to be corrupted;
• reacquiring data for the removed DWI(s) or pixel(s);
• and
• performing tensor fitting using the data for those DWI(s) pixel(s) after the removed DWI(s) or pixel(s) are reacquired to re-evaluate the data,
• wherein said evaluating, determining, removing, and reacquiring are performed in real time during initial acquisition of the MRI data and prior to complete acquisition of all of the MRI data.