Abstract: An open MRI methodology and system that allows dynamic viewing and access to a patient. In intraoperative MRI, the MRI apparatus is configured in the shape of a typical operating room, with full 360° access to the patient. The MRI apparatus encompasses the entire operating room with magnets located on or near the ceiling and floor of the operating room. The remainder of the MRI apparatus, including the control computer, and imaging monitor, may be located outside of the MRI operating room, in order to keep the operating room free of unnecessary equipment, or located inside of the MRI operating room, as desired for operability of the MRI. The patient is placed over the magnet in the floor, the only fixed location in the operating room. The operating room may contain typical operating equipment, as needed, such as cardiopulmonary bypass units, surgical navigation systems, endoscopy systems, and anesthesia carts.

Abstract: A Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) system with a magnet configured to generate a magnetic field having a field free line, the system including at least one shim magnet configured to modify the magnetic field in a manner to maintain desired magnetic flux distributions during imaging.

Abstract: Multi-modal imaging capsule for image-guided proton beam therapy, consisting of a biocompatible polymer layer, 18O-enriched water, and a contrast agent. The biocompatible capsule may be inserted near or inside a tumor under the guidance of X-ray, magnetic resonance, or ultrasonography imaging. Upon proton beam irradiation, the capsule emits positrons, allowing the tumor to be imaged and tracked by a PET detector.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a layer comprising at least one hydrophilic part and at least one hydrophobic part, the layer comprising self-assembled amphiphilic molecules polymerized with each other on both the hydrophilic part and the hydrophobic part of the layer; a detecting device comprising a substrate and the above-mentioned layer; and a liposome, a micelle, transport system for a substance and a biomimetic system comprising the above-mentioned layer. The disclosure also relates to a process for producing a layer, the process comprising: providing amphiphilic molecules; allowing sufficient time for the amphiphilic molecules to self-assemble and form at least one hydrophilic part and at least one hydrophobic part of the layer; polymerizing the self-assembled amphiphilic molecules with each other on both the hydrophilic part and the hydrophobic part of the layer.

Abstract: An image analysis apparatus includes a processor including hardware. The processor extracts parts from each of a first image and a second image acquired after the first image, each of the extracted parts including an annular peripheral portion and a central portion having a color different from a color of the peripheral portion. The processor also sets the central portion as the analysis object region and calculates a brightness decrease degree of the analysis object region in the second image relative to the analysis object region in the first image.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting electromechanical wave propagation within a body structure of a patient in a series of image frames representing movement the body structure are provided. Image data is acquired comprising a series of image frames corresponding to the movement of a body structure. A correlation calculation is performed on the image frames to generate a displacement map representing the relative displacement between the first and second image frames. A video is generated comprising a series of displacement maps. The parameters of movement of the body structure are detected by analysis of the displacement maps. The image acquisition can detect the movement of the body structure without inducing such movement.

Abstract: A system and method is provided to acquire images of a subject having received a tissue soluble hyperpolarized gas into the airways. The method includes performing a pulse sequence including (i) for each effective repetition time (TReff), acquiring at least one gas-phase dataset and at least one dissolved-phase dataset, wherein a gas-phase echo time (TEGas) of the at least one gas-phase dataset and a dissolved-phase echo time (TEDissolved) of the at least one dissolved-phase dataset are selected to isolate gas-phase contamination of the dissolved-phase dataset from dissolved-phase components in the dissolved-phase dataset.

Abstract: In a method and magnetic resonance (MR) apparatus for heart diffusion imaging, when an ECG trigger signal by a computer that operates an MR scanner, the MR scanner is operated to acquire a navigator echo before a stimulated echo sequence, in order to detect diaphragm position information. When the first diaphragm position information is not located in an acquisition window, the stimulated echo sequence is not executed, and the computer waits to receive the next ECG trigger signal. The detection time of the navigator echo after the stimulated echo sequence as well as the acquisition time of the stimulated echo sequence, are thus eliminated when the first diaphragm position information does not meet requirements, so can significantly reduce scanning time, and increase the image SNR.

Abstract: A method of hyperpolarisation of nuclear spins in one or more particle(s) moving relatively to a polarisation structure, wherein a polarisation of electron spins in the polarisation structure is transferred to the nuclear spins in the particle(s), wherein for one or more of the moving particle(s) within 20 nm from a surface of the polarisation structure, the correlation time of the interaction with the nearest polarisation structure electron spin due to the molecular motion is larger than the inverse of the nuclear Larmor frequency; the electron spins in the polarisation structure are polarised above thermal equilibrium; and the polarisation transfer is performed resonantly.

Abstract: It may desirable to monitor or control a pump remotely. For example, the pump may be positioned near the patient, with remote control or monitoring of the pump occurring in a control room. In one exemplary embodiment, the pump is used in an MRI environment. In another exemplary embodiment, the pump is used in a hyperbaric chamber. The pump may monitor one or more physiological parameters and transmit them to the remote. The pump may also transmit information relating to the pump's operation. The pump may send the device and/or physiological data using one or more packets. The packets may consist of low priority sequential packets and high-priority asynchronous packets. The high-priority packets may enable the real-time monitoring of a patient's heart beat or other physiological parameter.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an MRI apparatus includes: a scanner equipped with at least a static magnetic field magnet configured to generate a static magnetic field, a gradient coil configured to apply gradient pulses, and an RF coil configured to apply RF pulses to an object and receive magnetic resonance signals from the object; and processing circuitry configured to set at least one pulse sequence which includes a labeling pulse for labeling fluid in the object, an excitation pulse applied after the labeling pulse, and a bipolar or unipolar velocity encoding gradient pulse for encoding velocity information of the fluid, and generate an image of the fluid from the magnetic resonance signals which the scanner acquires by performing the at least one pulse sequence.

Abstract: A monocyte, monocyte derived cell or macrophage infected with an oncolytic herpes simplex virus is disclosed together with uses of such infected cells in the treatment of diseases such as cancer.

Abstract: 1-13C-1,1-Bis(acetoxy(methyl))-2,2?-cyclopropane of formula (I): The compound can be hyperpolarized and used as a contrast agent in 13C Magnetic Resonance diagnostic technique (13C-MR) for the diagnosis of tumor.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system includes a pressurizing mechanism. The pressurizing mechanism includes: a substantially cylindrical body having a movable member positioned therein that divides the body into a first chamber and a second chamber; a plunger rod connected to a first side of the movable member and extending through a substantially closed first end of the body; and an elongated member connected to a second side of the movable member and extending through a substantially closed second end of the body. The plunger rod configured to operatively engage a fluid container. Fluid is dispensed from the fluid container by forming a vacuum within at least the first chamber by moving the movable member toward the second end of the body, allowing atmospheric pressure to enter the second chamber, and actuating the pressurizing mechanism to cause the moving member to move towards the first end of the body.

Abstract: A system and method for system for performing a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) process using an MRI system is provided. A coil system includes a substrate configured to follow a contour of a portion of a subject to be imaged by the MRI system and at least one coil coupled to the substrate and forming a spiral pattern.

Abstract: A method for increasing the temporal fidelity, increasing the temporal sampling density, and/or reducing the temporal noise of a series of image frames obtained with a medical imaging system is provided. The image frames are acquired with the medical imaging system. The medical imaging system may be, for example, an x-ray C-arm imaging system. A window function that is representative of a temporal fidelity window is selected and used to temporally deconvolve the image frames using a minimization technique. A temporal sampling density may also be selected and used in the temporal deconvolution. The resultant deconvolved image frames have a higher temporal fidelity to a time-varying image contrast depicted in the acquired image frames, and may also have an increased temporal sampling density and/or reduced temporal noise.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for performing phosphorous-31 spectroscopic magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF). The method comprises performing a pulse sequence using a series of varied sequence blocks to a volume in a subject where the volume contains phosphate metabolites. A series of signal evolutions are acquired from the volume in the subject to form MRF data. The MRF data is then compared to simulated MRF signal to determine parameters associated with phosphate metabolites and the chemical exchange rates between these metabolites. These parameters and exchange rates can be used in diagnosing a metabolic disorder in a subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for targeting a biomedical system. Aspects of the subject methods include determining the trajectory of a targeting device using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a MRI-visible style of a trajectory guide that is compatible with the targeting device. Targeted biomedical systems may be utilized for a variety of purposes including targeted delivery of a therapeutic, holding a therapeutic device, positioning of a therapeutic device and other uses. Also provided are devices and systems that can be used in practicing the described methods including but not limited to trajectory guides and adjustable targeting systems, as well as non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computing device, cause a computing device to perform steps of the described methods.

Abstract: Described here are systems and methods for generating quantitative perfusion parameter maps based on different longitudinal relaxation parameter maps that are produced from images acquired using non-selective and selective magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) data acquisition techniques.

Abstract: Embodiments associated with combined magnetic resonance angiography and perfusion (MRAP) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) fingerprinting are described. One example apparatus repetitively and variably samples a (k, t, E) space associated with an object to acquire a set of NMR signals that are associated with different points in the (k, t, E) space. Sampling is performed with t and/or E varying in a non-constant way. The apparatus includes a signal logic that produces an NMR signal evolution from the NMR signals and a characterization logic that characterizes a resonant species in the object as a result of comparing acquired signals to reference signals. The apparatus includes an MRAP logic that simultaneously performs MR angiography and produces quantitative perfusion maps. A multi-factor MR bio-imaging panel is produced from a combination of the data provided by the MRAP and NMR fingerprinting. Diagnoses may be made from the multi-factor MR bio-imaging panel.

Abstract: Described here are systems and methods for obtaining measurements of both tissue perfusion and permeability with a magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) system after the administration of a single dose of contrast agent. To this end, the MRI system is directed to acquire T2-weighted or T2*-weighted data, during which the acquired signal values are monitored for a trigger event. When the trigger event occurs, the MRI system is directed to switch from acquiring the T2-weighted or T2*-weighted data to acquiring T1-weighted data. The systems and methods described here can thus be used for a fully automated, single acquisition of perfusion and permeability measurements using only a single dose of contrast agent.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus including a data acquirer configured to obtain ultrasound data about an object having blood vessels; an image processor configured to extract a blood vessel area from an ultrasound image generated based on the ultrasound data, extract a plaque area included in the blood vessel area, and analyze a risk of plaque based on at least one of a surface shape of the plaque area and brightness information of the plaque area; and a display configured to display the risk of plaque.

Abstract: A method for differentiation of normal myocardium from diffuse disease using T mapping includes acquiring one or more images of a patient by an imaging apparatus, generating a T1 map from the one or more images, defining a region of interest within the one or more images, determining the average T1 value within the region of interest, comparing the average T1 value within the region of interest to a cut-off T1 value, and determining a diagnosis of the region of interest from the comparison.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for determining time-dependent dephasing factors of at least one spectral component of at least two spectral components in a region of interest in an object under examination, measured data of the region of interest and acquired over time by a test measurement in a magnetic resonance scanner. The contribution of at least one of the at least two spectral components in the recorded measured data is determined. Dephasing factors of the at least one spectral component are determined on the basis of the contribution determined therefor in the recorded measured data over time. Dephasing factors determined in this way can be determined individually with relatively little effort and used in Dixon techniques.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for magnetic resonance (MR) fingerprinting, an MR signal is acquired from a subject by radiating radio-frequency (RF) energy that produces an RF transmission field that has a localized amplitude in the subject. The RF energy is radiated with an RF pulse configuration that maps the localized RF field amplitude in the phase of the MR signal from the subject. The detected MR signal is compared to a source of stored MR signal physical or theoretical models that respectively map different localized RF transmission field information in the respective phase thereof, the stored models being respectively for different substances. A substance in the subject from which the detected MR signal curve originated is identified by comparing the detected MR signal curve to the stored models to identify a best match.

Abstract: A method to visualize, display, analyze and quantify angiography, perfusion, and the change in angiography and perfusion in real time, is provided. This method captures image data sequences from indocyanine green near infra-red fluorescence imaging used in a variety of surgical procedure applications, where angiography and perfusion are critical for intraoperative decisions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of Magnetic Resonance (MR) detection, in particular 13C-MR detection, by using a diagnostic medium comprising a hyperpolarized ester, in particular ethyl acetoacetate. The method comprises the detection of the MR signal of a hyperpolarized 13C carboxylic ester and of its respective hyperpolarized metabolite.

Abstract: An MR image especially useful for computer-guided diagnostics uses at least one programmed computer to acquire an MR-image of T1 values for a patient volume containing at least one predetermined tissue type having a respectively corresponding predetermined range of expected T1 values. A color-coded T1-image is generated from the MR-image by (a) assigning a first color or spectrum of colors to those pixels having a T1 value falling within a predetermined range of expected T1 values and (b) assigning a second color or spectrum of colors to those pixels having a T1 value falling outside a predetermined range of expected T1 values. The color-coded T1-image is then displayed for use in computer-aided diagnosis of patient tissue.

Abstract: An MR Spectroscopy (MRS) system and approach is provided for diagnosing painful and non-painful discs in chronic, severe low back pain patients (DDD-MRS). A DDD-MRS pulse sequence generates and acquires DDD-MRS spectra within intervertebral disc nuclei for later signal processing & diagnostic analysis. An interfacing DDD-MRS signal processor receives output signals of the DDD-MRS spectra acquired and is configured to optimize signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by an automated system that selectively conducts optimal channel selection, phase and frequency correction, and frame editing as appropriate for a given acquisition series. A diagnostic processor calculates a diagnostic value for the disc based upon a weighted factor set of criteria that uses MRS data extracted from the acquired and processed MRS spectra along regions associated with multiple chemicals that have been correlated to painful vs. non-painful discs.

Abstract: A system and method for acquiring magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images with an MRI system is provided. The system and method directs the MRI system first to produce an inversion recovery radio frequency (RF) pulse, wait for a time period, produce a T2-preparation RF pulse, wait for another time period, and then acquire data of a part of a subject. The first produced RF pulse rotates net magnetization 180 degrees about an axis. The pulse sequence used to acquire data can be any two-dimensional or three-dimensional sequence used to acquire a volume in the subject. The two waiting time periods are chosen such that the signals of two or more tissues of the subject are nulled.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described, including, using an imaging device, acquiring a plurality of images of a portion of a body of a subject. Using a processor, a first feature within each of the images is aligned. At least one enhanced image that is enhanced with respect to the first feature is generated, using the aligned images. Visibility of a second feature is reduced in the enhanced image, and the at least one image that is enhanced with respect to the first feature is displayed upon a display. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: In a method and computer for evaluating medical image data of an examination subject, a clinical marker of the examination subject is acquired that characterizes a status of the examination subject in relation to a physiological parameter, and a normal value range for the physiological parameter is ascertained that is matched to the status of the examination subject as a function of the clinical marker. Medical image data of the examination subject are acquired, and a value of the physiological parameter of the examination subject is determined using the medical image data. This value is compared with the normal value range matched to the status of the examination subject, and the result of the comparison is provided as an output.

Abstract: An imaging system selects a medical imaging protocol using a repository of information associating multiple ranges of contrast agent peak time with corresponding different imaging protocols. An imaging protocol comprises a method for acquiring images using an imaging system and using data identifying at least one of (a) an imaging rate within an imaging scan cycle and (b) an interval between imaging scans. A contrast agent peak time comprises a time a contrast agent concentration substantially reaches a peak value in an anatomical region of interest of a patient relative to a time of start of contrast agent injection. A contrast agent peak time detector detects a contrast agent peak time. An imaging processor adaptively selects an imaging protocol from the imaging protocols in response to a comparison of a detected contrast agent peak time with at least one of the plurality of ranges.

Abstract: Example apparatus and methods provide improved spatial and temporal resolution over conventional magnetic resonance renography (MRR). Example apparatus and methods reconstruct under-sampled three-dimensional (3D) data associated with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals acquired from a kidney. The data is reconstructed using a 3D through-time non-Cartesian generalized auto-calibrating partially parallel acquisitions (GRAPPA) approach. Example apparatus and methods produce a quantized value for a contrast agent concentration in the kidney from a signal intensity in the data based, at least in part, on a two compartment model of the kidney. The two compartment model includes a plasma compartment and a tubular compartment. The quantized value describes a perfusion parameter for the kidney or a filtration parameter for the kidney.

Abstract: A system and method for reconstructing an image using a cone-beam computed tomography (CT) imaging system includes acquiring data from a subject with the CT imaging system using a limited scan range that is less than 360 degrees. The process also includes reconstructing at least one image of the subject having a first temporal resolution from the data acquired, performing a temporal deconvolution of the at least one image using a finite temporal window to generate at least one image of the subject with a second temporal resolution that is greater than the first temporal resolution, and subtracting the at least one image of the subject with the second temporal resolution and a mask image of the subject to generate a time-resolved CT angiogram of the subject.

Abstract: A delivery system comprising an organic nanoparticle, a hyaluronidase anchored or conjugated to the organic nanoparticle. The organic nanoparticle may be selected from a polymer-based nanoparticle, a lipid-based nanoparticle and nanoparticle formed by lipid-like molecules. In some embodiments, the hyaluronidase is covalently bound to a linker or spacer which, in turn, is anchored or covalently bound to the organic nanoparticle. The delivery system may also comprise an active pharmaceutical agent, a diagnostic agent, and/or a cellular membrane. The organic nanoparticle may further have a low density poly(ethylene glycol) layer on the surface. Methods for using the delivery system including for treating or diagnosing a disease are also provided. The organic nanoparticle provides enhanced diffusion/penetration through the extracellular matrix found in tumors, as well as increased circulation time in a human or animal body.

Abstract: A population of bright and stable nanocrystals is provided. The nanocrystals include a semiconductor core and a thick semiconductor shell and can exhibit high extinction coefficients, high quantum yields, and limited or no detectable blinking.

Abstract: In a magnetic resonance method and apparatus for determination of a measurement variable that is relevant to a function of an organ of a patient, a first longitudinal relaxation rate R11 is determined before a contrast medium is administered to the patient. A second longitudinal relaxation rate R12 is determined after a contrast medium is administered to the patient. A property of the contrast medium in the organ is determined based on R11 and R12. The measurement variable is determined based on the property of the contrast medium in the organ.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for supplying a medium to an object of interest, such as a patient to be scanned for image acquisition. The device comprises an arc-shaped member and a support for said arc-shaped member, wherein the arc-shaped member is configured to support a radiation source on one end and a detector on another end to scan the object of interest, and the support comprises a gantry with a rotatable support arm supporting the arc-shaped member. The device further comprises at least one medium supply unit mounted on the gantry. The supply unit is connectable to a cable that is guided in the vicinity or in the region of the axis of rotation of the support arm so that the object of interest can be supplied with a perfusion or any other medium, while enabling the mobile imaging device to rotate around the patient to acquire x-ray images.

Abstract: A system 100 for enabling interactive annotation of an image 102, comprising a user input 160 for receiving a placement command 162 from a user, the placement command being indicative of a first placement location of a marker 140 in the image 102, and a processor 180 arranged for (i) applying an image processing algorithm to a region 130 in the image, the region being based on the first placement location, and the image processing algorithm being responsive to image portions which visually correspond to the marker 140 for establishing a plurality of match degrees between, on the one hand, the marker, and, on the other hand, a plurality of image portions within the region, (ii) establishing a second placement location in dependence on the plurality of match degrees and the respective plurality of image portions for matching the marker 140 to the region in the image, and (iii) placing the marker 140 at the second placement location in the image 102.

Abstract: Provided is a protein contrast agent for enhancing an MRI image and comprising a polypeptide having a conformation presenting at least five oxygen atoms positioned to chelate at least one paramagnetic metal ion such as Gd3+, each oxygen atom being between about 2 angstrom units and about 5 angstrom units from the metal ion; the metal ion has at least one water molecule electrostatically interacting a distance of less than about 10 angstrom units a target-specific moiety conjugated thereto, at least one polyethylene glycol molecule, and a paramagnetic metal ion. Also provided is a method of obtaining an enhanced MRI image using the protein contrast agent to a T2/T1 or T1/T2 intensity ratio of the MRI image; and (d) obtaining an image of the T2/T1 or T1/T2 intensity ratio.

Abstract: Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for three-dimensional spiral perfusion imaging. In one embodiment, a method for perfusion imaging of a subject includes acquiring perfusion imaging data associated with the heart of a subject. The acquiring includes applying an imaging pulse sequence with a three-dimensional stack-of-spirals trajectory. The method also includes reconstructing perfusion images from the acquired perfusion imaging data. The reconstructing includes parallel imaging and motion-guided compressed sensing. The method also includes determining, from the reconstructed perfusion images, absolute perfusion values based on time-intensity relationships to quantify myocardial blood flow of the heart of the subject, and generating a quantitative volumetric perfusion flow map based on the determined absolute perfusion values.

Abstract: A system and method for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is disclosed that facilitates the phase sensitive reconstruction of inversion recovery magnetization prepared data with minimal scan time penalty by acquiring the phase reference data with low spatial resolution. The technique can be applied for the investigation of myocardial tissue characterization by acquiring 2D and/or 3D late Gadolinium enhancement (LGE) scans after the injection of a Gadolinium contrast agent. Regional areas of contrast accumulation in scarred myocardial tissue appear bright on these T1-weighted images. As disclosed here the proposed technique for phase sensitive inversion recovery acquisition with low resolution phase reference is robust against changes in inversion time, change in T1 due to Gadolinium contrast washout, high signal-to-noise ratio, and low scan time penalty compared to magnitude LGE.

Abstract: This stopcock flow path switching device includes: a three-way stopcock having a flow path switching cock and provided to, by switching of the flow path switching cock, allow flow path switching between a state in which a contrast agent introducing flow path is formed by coupling a flow path on the patient side to a flow path on the injector head side and a state in which a blood pressure measuring flow path is formed by coupling the flow path on the patient side to a flow path on the blood pressure transducer side; and a clamp mechanism for closing the flow path of the three-way stopcock communicating with the injector head side, in the state in which the blood pressure measuring flow path is formed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to coating medical devices. In particular, the present disclosure provides materials and methods for coating a portion of a balloon catheter with a pharmaceutical agent using electrodeposition techniques. Although angioplasty and stenting can be effective methods for treating vascular occlusions, restenosis remains a pervasiveness problem. Therefore, coating portions of a balloon catheter with a pharmaceutical agent that inhibits restenosis can reduce the likelihood of restenosis.

Abstract: Described are drug carriers useful in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided drug release comprising a shell capable of releasing an enclosed biologically active agent as a result of a local stimulus, e.g. energy input, such as heat, wherein the shell encloses a 19F MR contrast agent. Preferably, the carrier also acts as a contrast enhancement agent for MRI based on the principle of Chemical Exchange-dependent Saturation Transfer (CEST). To this end the shell encloses a cavity that comprises a paramagnetic chemical shift reagent, a pool of proton analytes, and the 19F contrast agent, and wherein the shell allows diffusion of the proton analytes.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes an execution unit and a generation unit. The execution unit executes first data collection after a predetermined inversion time elapses from a time when a labeling pulse is applied to a fluid flowing into an imaging region of a subject and a second data collection without application of the labeling pulse. The generation unit generates a differential image by using the first data and the second data. Here, the generation unit generates the differential image by a different differential method according to a relationship between the inversion time and a longitudinal relaxation time of the fluid.

Abstract: A system and method for reconstructing a series of images of a subject includes acquiring medical image data from the subject with a medical imaging system and reconstructing a series of images of the subject from the acquired medical image data set. The reconstructing includes enforcing general adherence to a non-patient-specific signal model that describes a dependency of image intensity values on at least one variable that is associated with a physical or physiological property by constraining reconstruction of individual images in the series of images using the non-patient-specific model. The reconstructing also includes preserving information in the series of images that deviate from the non-patient-specific model by controlling a requirement of consistency with the non-patient-specific model.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of CEST or APT MR imaging of at least a portion of a body (10) placed in a main magnetic field B0 within the examination volume of a MR device. The method of the invention comprises the following steps: •a) subjecting the portion of the body (10) to a saturation RF pulse at a saturation frequency offset; •b) subjecting the portion of the body (10) to an imaging sequence comprising at least one excitation/refocusing RF pulse and switched magnetic field gradients, whereby MR signals are acquired from the portion of the body (10) as spin echo signals; •c) repeating steps a) and b) two or more times, wherein the saturation frequency offset and/or a echo time shift in the imaging sequence are varied, such that a different combination of saturation frequency offset and echo time shift is applied in two or more of the repetitions; •d) reconstructing a MR image and/or B0 field homogeneity corrected APT/CEST images from the acquired MR signals.

Abstract: A method for generating an image-based test improves diagnostic accuracy by iteratively modifying rule sets governing image and data analysis of coregistered image tiles. Digital images of stained tissue slices are divided into tiles, and tiles from different images are coregistered. First image objects are linked to selected pixels of the tiles. First numerical data is generated by measuring the first objects. Each pixel of a heat map aggregates first numerical data from coregistered tiles. Second objects are linked to selected pixels of the heat map. Measuring the second objects generates second numerical data. The method improves how well second numerical data correlates with clinical data of the patient whose tissue is analyzed by modifying the rule sets used to generate the first and second objects and the first and second numerical data. The test is defined by those rule sets that produce the best correlation with the clinical data.