Abstract: A method for generating a perfusion weighted image using arterial spin labeling (ASL) with segmented acquisitions includes dividing an anatomical area of interest into a plurality of slices and performing a multi-band (MB) echo planar imaging (EPI) acquisition process using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system to acquire a control image dataset representative of the plurality of slices using a central-to-peripheral or peripheral-to-central slice acquisition order. An ASL preparation process is performed using the MRI system to magnetically label protons in arterial blood water in an area upstream from the anatomical area of interest. Following a post-labeling delay time period, the MB EPI acquisition process is performed to a labeled image dataset corresponding to the slices using the central-to-peripheral or peripheral-to-central slice acquisition order. A perfusion weighted image of the anatomical area is generated by subtracting the labeled image dataset from the control image dataset.

Abstract: A non-localized efficiency shimming technique is used to generate radio frequency (RF) shimming values for imaging with a multi-channel transmit RF coil that minimizes subject-specific imperfections in the transmit magnetic field (B1+) and reduces or eliminates signal dropout in the acquired images, while keeping the coil working in an optimal mode with a high transmit efficiency. The non-localized efficiency shimming can be used for both small and large fields-of-view where a specific ROI does not need to be specified. The static non-localized efficiency shim is advantageous for turbo spin echo (TSE) imaging of smaller anatomical targets, whereas the dynamic non-localized efficiency shim is advantageous for larger fields-of-view, such as in human torsos.

Abstract: A method for generating a perfusion weighted image using arterial spin labeling (ASL) with segmented acquisitions includes dividing an anatomical area of interest into a plurality of slices and performing a multi-band (MB) echo planar imaging (EPI) acquisition process using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system to acquire a control image dataset representative of the plurality of slices using a central-to-peripheral or peripheral-to-central slice acquisition order. An ASL preparation process is performed using the MRI system to magnetically label protons in arterial blood water in an area upstream from the anatomical area of interest. Following a post-labeling delay time period, the MB EPI acquisition process is performed to a labeled image dataset corresponding to the slices using the central-to-peripheral or peripheral-to-central slice acquisition order. A perfusion weighted image of the anatomical area is generated by subtracting the labeled image dataset from the control image dataset.

Abstract: Embodiments can provide a method for multi-banded RF-pulse enhanced magnetization imaging, the method comprising determining, by a processor, a frequency offset against a central frequency by specifying an offset frequency for one or more RF coils close to a frequency peak of mobile water; and simultaneously applying, by one or more RF coils, one or more bands of Gaussian RF pulses around the central frequency to a patient from a medical imaging device; wherein the one or more bands of Gaussian RF pulses are symmetrically applied having a distance from the central frequency equal to the frequency offset.

Abstract: Embodiments can provide a method for multi-banded RF-pulse enhanced magnetization imaging, the method comprising determining, by a processor, a frequency offset against a central frequency by specifying an offset frequency for one or more RF coils close to a frequency peak of mobile water; and simultaneously applying, by one or more RF coils, one or more bands of Gaussian RF pulses around the central frequency to a patient from a medical imaging device; wherein the one or more bands of Gaussian RF pulses are symmetrically applied having a distance from the central frequency equal to the frequency offset.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance method and system are provided for providing improved multi-band (MB) magnetic resonance imaging. The adaptive MB imaging can be achieved by providing one or more modified multi-band excitation pulse sequences that include at least either one nullified “dummy” slice within a slab that is not excited simultaneously with the other slices during a single multislice acquisition sequence, or one excitation slice group that utilizes a non-uniform slice spacing between simultaneously excited slices. Adaptive GRAPPA or slice-GRAPPA kernel sizes can also be used during image reconstruction to improve speed without excessive point spread blurring or MB reconstruction failure. A total leakage factor (TLF) can also be determined based on test images using modified MB excitation sequences, and used to improve the adaptive MB procedure.

Abstract: A method for generating a perfusion weighted image using ASL with segmented acquisitions includes dividing an anatomical area of interest into slices and performing an EPI acquisition process using an MRI system to acquire a control image dataset representative of the slices. An ASL preparation process is performed using the MRI system to magnetically label protons in arterial blood water upstream from the anatomical area of interest. Following a first time period, a multi-band EPI acquisition process is performed using the MRI system to acquire a first labeled image dataset representative of a first subset of the slices. Following a second time period, another multi-band EPI acquisition process is performed using the MRI system to acquire a second labeled image dataset representative of a second subset of the slices. A perfusion weighted image is generated by subtracting the first and second labeled image dataset from the control image dataset.

Abstract: A user-independent, quantitative, multiparametric MRI model is developed and validated on co-registered correlative histopathology, yielding improved performance for cancer detection over single parameter estimators. A computing device may be configured to receive a first parametric map that maps imaged tissue of a patient using values of a first parameter, and a second parametric map that maps the imaged tissue using values of a second parameter, wherein the parametric maps are generated from medical imaging data for the imaged tissue. The computing device may be further configured to apply a multiparametric model to the maps to generate at least one Composite Biomarker Score for the tissue, the model being a function of the first parameter and the second parameter. The function may be determined based on co-registered histopathology data. The computing device may be further configured to generate an indication of whether the tissue includes predicted cancer, and output the indication.

Abstract: A user-independent, quantitative, multiparametric MRI model is developed and validated on co-registered correlative histopathology, yielding improved performance for cancer detection over single parameter estimators. A computing device may be configured to receive a first parametric map that maps imaged tissue of a patient using values of a first parameter, and a second parametric map that maps the imaged tissue using values of a second parameter, wherein the parametric maps are generated from medical imaging data for the imaged tissue. The computing device may be further configured to apply a multiparametric model to the maps to generate at least one Composite Biomarker Score for the tissue, the model being a function of the first parameter and the second parameter, The function may be determined based on co-registered histopathology data. The computing device may be further configured to generate an indication of whether the tissue includes predicted cancer, and output the indication.

Abstract: A method for generating a perfusion weighted image using ASL with segmented acquisitions includes dividing an anatomical area of interest into slices and performing an EPI acquisition process using an MRI system to acquire a control image dataset representative of the slices. An ASL preparation process is performed using the MRI system to magnetically label protons in arterial blood water upstream from the anatomical area of interest. Following a first time period, a multi-band EPI acquisition process is performed using the MRI system to acquire a first labeled image dataset representative of a first subset of the slices. Following a second time period, another multi-band EPI acquisition process is performed using the MRI system to acquire a second labeled image dataset representative of a second subset of the slices. A perfusion weighted image is generated by subtracting the first and second labeled image dataset from the control image dataset.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance method and system are provided for providing improved multi-band (MB) magnetic resonance imaging. The adaptive MB imaging can be achieved by providing one or more modified multi-band excitation pulse sequences that include at least either one nullified “dummy” slice within a slab that is not excited simultaneously with the other slices during a single multislice acquisition sequence, or one excitation slice group that utilizes a non-uniform slice spacing between simultaneously excited slices. Adaptive GRAPPA or slice-GRAPPA kernel sizes can also be used during image reconstruction to improve speed without excessive point spread blurring or MB reconstruction failure. A total leakage factor (TLF) can also be determined based on test images using modified MB excitation sequences, and used to improve the adaptive MB procedure.

Abstract: In an interventional breast procedure, a magnetic resonance tracking sequence (80) is executed to determine (i) tracked positions of a plurality of active probe tracking coils (50) disposed with a probe (42) of an interventional instrument (40) and (ii) tracked positions of one or more active assembly tracking coils (52) disposed with a breast coil assembly (20). A probe tip position and angulation respective to the breast coil assembly is determined (84) based on the tracked positions. Conformance with a probe trajectory (88) of the determined probe tip position and angulation respective to the breast coil is verified (92).