Abstract: In a method for masking one or more regions surrounding an anatomical region of interest for each of one or more MRI images obtained from MRI imaging data, the one or more regions surrounding the anatomical region of interest are masked based on control data determined for identifying the anatomical region of interest in the MRI imaging data. The MRI imaging data may be obtained during an MRI exam of a patient for a measurement volume including the anatomical region of interest. The anatomical region of interest may be ascertained before performing the MRI exam.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging device may include a field generator for generating at least one magnetic gradient field. The field generator may include a first magnet and a second magnet confining an imaging volume of the magnetic resonance imaging device in two spatial directions. The first magnet and the second magnet may be arranged asymmetrically with respect to the imaging volume. The magnetic resonance imaging device may be used to perform a method for acquiring an image of a diagnostically relevant body region of a patient.

Abstract: A method for compiling a dental overview map of the dentition of an examination object on the basis of magnetic resonance (MR) data from a MR measurement of the dentition. Performing an MR measurement for acquiring MR data from the dentition. Performing an analysis of sections of the dentition in order to determine an abnormality on the basis of the MR data, wherein a section of the dentition includes a subset of the number of teeth in the dentition, and determining an abnormality in at least one section. Compiling a dental overview map as a function of the MR data and the abnormality of the at least one section of the dentition. Providing the dental overview map.

Abstract: Techniques are described for providing image-based operational decision support. The technique includes providing initial imaging data from a preceding examination of a patient, determining clinical findings by automated processing of the initial imaging data, generating decision data at least comprising a decision whether a further recording of a number of images is necessary, and generating a suggested set of imaging parameter values for recording this number of images. The decision data may be based on the determined clinical findings, and the technique may further include outputting the suggested set of imaging parameter values for recording a number of images of the patient. Also described are a related clinical decision system, a decision module, and a related medical imaging system.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging device may include a field generator for generating at least one magnetic gradient field. The field generator may include a first magnet and a second magnet confining an imaging volume of the magnetic resonance imaging device in two spatial directions. The first magnet and the second magnet may be arranged asymmetrically with respect to the imaging volume. The magnetic resonance imaging device may be used to perform a method for acquiring an image of a diagnostically relevant body region of a patient.

Abstract: A system and a method for measuring a maturation stage of a biological organ are based on quantitative MR maps for the organ. The method includes acquiring with a first interface and for a subject, a quantitative MR map for the organ. The quantitative MR map includes voxels each characterized by a quantitative value. The quantitative value of each voxel represents a measurement of a physical or physiological property of a tissue of the biological organ for the voxel. The method also includes applying to the quantitative map a trained function to estimate the subject organ maturation stage, and the trained function outputting an age. The method provides with a second interface the maturation stage of the organ of the subject as being the output age.

Abstract: A method for compiling a dental overview map of the dentition of an examination object on the basis of magnetic resonance (MR) data from a MR measurement of the dentition. An MR measurement for acquiring MR data if performed from the dentition. An analysis of sections of the dentition is performed in order to determine an abnormality on the basis of the MR data, wherein a section of the dentition includes a subset of the number of teeth in the dentition, and an abnormality is determined in at least one section. A dental overview map is compiled as a function of the MR data and the abnormality of the at least one section of the dentition. The dental overview map is provided. Also, an MR apparatus with a computer, and a computer program product directly loadable into a data storage device of a computer of an MR apparatus in order to carry out the method.

Abstract: A decentrally controlled imaging method is provided. A selected control entity is connected by a data transmission network to a communication device of a medical technical imaging system. An image recording process of a field of view of a patient is remotely controlled by the control entity via the network-based communications link.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance system that is designed to carry out an examination of an examination object, and has an RF controller, a gradient controller and an image sequence controller, which are designed to acquire MR data of a volume portion of the examination object. An arithmetic unit of the magnetic resonance system is designed to reconstruct MR images from the acquired MR data. A standardized REST-based HTTP radio interface of the magnetic resonance system is designed to establish a standardized wireless connection to at least one external device.

Abstract: In a method for displaying quantitative magnetic resonance image data, and a processor, and a magnetic resonance (MR) apparatus that implement such a method, first quantitative MR image data of an examination object are provided to the processor, the first quantitative MR image having been obtained using an MR scanner with a first basic magnetic field strength. The first quantitative magnetic resonance image data are converted in the processor from the first basic magnetic field strength to a second basic magnetic field strength, thereby generating second quantitative MR image data, which are then displayed.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for determining measurement protocol parameters of a magnetic resonance (MR) image, a first MR image exhibiting first contrast properties, is read into a computer and at least one first contrast ratio is determined in the computer from the first contrast properties. The computer then determines the measurement protocol parameters dependent on the at least one first contrast ratio, in order to generate a second MR image exhibiting second contrast properties such that the second contrast properties approximate, as closely as possible, to the first contrast properties. The measurement protocol parameters are presented as an output from the computer.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance method and system are provided for magnetic resonance (MR) image-guided insertion of an object into a biological tissue along a predetermined trajectory. The trajectory provides a path between a starting point and a target site within the tissue. Sufficiently high resolution images can be generated in real time to precisely guide the needle placement. A compressed sensing approach is used to generate the images based on minimization of a cost function, where the cost function is based on the predetermined needle path, artifact effects associated with the needle, the negligible changes in the images away from the trajectory, and the limited differences between successive images. The improved combination of spatial and temporal resolution facilitates an insertion procedure that can be continuously adjusted to accurately follow a predetermined trajectory in the tissue, without interruptions to obtain verification images.

Abstract: Sterile RF coil arrangements for use in magnetic resonance imaging are provided. The sterile coil arrangements can be formed by spraying or coating a curable liquid onto an RF coil housing and allowing the liquid to cure or dry to form a continuous sterile layer on the coil housing. The thickness of the sterile layer can be between 100 and 1000 micrometers. The curable liquid can include an antimicrobial or antibacterial agent, such as silver ions or triclosan, to better maintain sterility of the coil arrangement. The curable liquid can be selected such that it adheres to the housing when cured and is also removable without leaving residue behind.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for recording a magnetic resonance data set, an MR data acquisition scanner is operated to acquire a range of basic values of a material parameter of a subject, with a basic resolution within a region of the subject. Thereafter, the aforementioned resolution is refined by selecting a refinement acquisition sequence, dependent on a material property to be refined, and then again operating the scanner to acquire further values for the refinement material parameter with a refined resolution, compared to the original resolution.

Abstract: In a method and a computer for identifying a group of persons, from a number of persons, to whom at least one contrast agent has been applied during an examination which was carried out in an imaging system with which medical images of each of the number of persons were produced, existing examination data provided for each of the number of persons are used to determine to which of those persons the at least one contrast agent was applied. The persons to whom at least one contrast agent was applied during the examination are identified as a group of persons. For each person in the group, person-specific contrast agent data are determined that include at least identification information identifying the person to whom the at least one contrast agent was applied, and contrast agent information identifying the fact that the at least one contrast agent was applied. A designation of each person in the group of persons is stored with that person's corresponding person-specific contrast agent data in a register.

Abstract: A system for generating medical image scanner configurations includes a scanner configuration database and a simulation component. The database stores a scanner configuration dataset corresponding to a medical image scanner. The simulation component includes a display module which is configured to present a graphical user interface (GUI) utilized by the medical image scanner, and an editing module which is configured to create a modified scanner configuration dataset based on commands received from a user via the GUI. Additionally, the simulation component includes a simulation module which is configured to (i) perform a simulation of the medical image scanner using the modified scanner configuration dataset to yield simulated results, (ii) use the display module to present the simulated results in the GUI, and (iii) in response to receiving user approval of the simulated results via the GUI, save the modified scanner configuration dataset to the database.

Abstract: A configurable coil arrangement for use with MRI-guided procedures is provided that facilitates optimal imaging for both pre-procedure planning and imaging of the target sites during the procedure. The coil arrangement includes a plurality of connected coil elements. Spacers connecting the coil elements can be adjustable and/or deformable to provide one or more openings in the coil arrangement of optimal size for accessing the subject within the imaged region. Individual coil elements can also be removed to provide access openings during such procedures, or left in the array for improved pre- and post-procedure image quality. The MRI system can be configured to detect configurations of the coil arrangement and modify imaging parameters to optimize image quality.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for determining measurement protocol parameters of a magnetic resonance (MR) image, a first MR image exhibiting first contrast properties, is read into a computer and at least one first contrast ratio is determined in the computer from the first contrast properties. The computer then determines the measurement protocol parameters dependent on the at least one first contrast ratio, in order to generate a second MR image exhibiting second contrast properties such that the second contrast properties approximate, as closely as possible, to the first contrast properties. The measurement protocol parameters are presented as an output from the computer.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system and method are provided that include user control of certain functions using physical gestures, such as hand motions or the like. The gesture control aspects can include one or more cameras, and a processor configured to detect and recognize gestures corresponding to predetermined commands and to provide signals to execute the commands. A verification switch, such as a foot switch, can be included to improve safety and reliability of the gesture control aspects. This switch can be used to activate the gesture detection aspects and/or to confirm a recognized gesture command prior to its execution.

Abstract: In a magnetic resonance (MR) apparatus and a method for operation thereof, the radio-frequency (RF) resonator of the scanner of the apparatus fed from a single RF source and is operated, during a total scan duration for acquiring MR scan data from a subject, so as to excite nuclear spins in the subject with respective RF fields having different B1+ field profiles that are radiated at respectively different times during the acquisition of the scan data. The scan data acquired during the scan thus are produced from MR signals caused by nuclear spins excited by at least two different B1+ field profiles. The scan can be used to acquire MR data for MR fingerprinting.