Abstract: A magnetic resonance data acquisition method includes designating a plurality of parameters that are representative of conditions for acquiring data from a magnetic resonance apparatus, at least one of the parameters being variable; designating at least one objective function measuring the quality of the acquired magnetic resonance data; optimizing the at least one objective function using an optimization algorithm to find at least one set of optimum values for the parameters characterizing data acquisition; configuring the magnetic resonance apparatus with the parameters determined above, configuring by one set of the optimum values of the parameters, and instructing a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus to apply the field to the target of the data acquisition to acquire the data.

Abstract: Spiral imaging has recently gained acceptance for rapid MR data acquisition. One of the main disadvantages of spiral imaging, however, is blurring artifacts due to off-resonance effects. Dixon techniques have been developed as methods of water-fat signal decomposition in rectilinear sampling schemes, and they can produce unequivocal water-fat signal decomposition even in the presence of B0 inhomogeneity. Three-point and two-point Dixon techniques can be extended to conventional spiral and variable-density spiral data acquisitions for unambiguous water-fat decomposition with off-resonance blurring correction. In the spiral three-point Dixon technique, water-fat signal decomposition and image deblurring are performed based on the frequency maps that are directly derived from the acquired images. In the spiral two-point Dixon technique, several predetermined frequencies are tested to create a frequency map.

Abstract: A method and system for improving image quality by correcting errors introduced by rotational motion of an object being imaged is provided (1150). The method provides a computer executable methodology for detecting a rotation (1110) and selectively reordering (1160), deleting and/or reaquiring projection data (1260).

Abstract: A method of chemical species suppression for MRI imaging of a scanned object region including acquiring K space data at a first TE, acquiring K space data at a second TE, reconstructing images having off resonance effects, estimating off resonance effects at locations throughout the reconstructed image, and determining the first and second chemical species signals at image locations of the scanned object from the acquired signals and correcting for blurring resulting from off resonance effects due to B0 inhomogeneity.

Abstract: A method and system for improving image quality by correcting errors introduced by rotational motion of an object being imaged is provided (1150). The method provides a computer executable methodology for detecting a rotation (1110) and selectively reordering (1160), deleting and/or reaquiring projection data (1260).

Abstract: A method is provided for determining an analog for blood flow in a target tissue of a subject, comprising: acquiring a baseline set of MR images prior to injection of a contrast agent into the vasculature of the subject; acquiring a set of MR images after injection of a contrast agent into the vasculature of the subject; computing two or more concentration values from the set of images; computing a derivative of the concentration values; computing the maximum value of the derivative curve to provide a value which is an analog for blood flow.

Abstract: PRF shift MRI data is acquired. The PRF shift MRI data may include signals affected by both a desired PRF shift and an undesired PRF shift. Thus, example systems and methods describe manipulating the PRF shift MRI data to make it substantially free of the effects of the undesired PRF shift, which facilitates displaying certain MRI images based on the desired PRF shift.

Abstract: A system for automatically adapting image acquisition parameters based on imaging and/or device tracking feedback is provided. An example system includes a subsystem for acquiring images (e.g., MR) of an object and tracking data for a device (e.g. catheter) inserted into the object and controllably moveable within the object. The system also includes an image processor for processing the images and a device tracking logic for computing device parameters (e.g., speed, direction of travel, rate of speed change, position, position relative to a landmark, device orientation). Based on the images and device parameter computations, a parameter control and adjustment logic can automatically update one or more image acquisition parameters that control the image acquisition subsystem.

Abstract: Methods for confirming location of a catheter tip relative to a targeted location in a blood vessel of a subject and improving visualization of the blood vessels downstream of the catheter tip are provided. The methods comprise acquiring and displaying a first modified MR image of the subject's blood vessels between an insertion site for the catheter and the targeted location; acquiring and displaying a sequence of modified MR images of the blood vessels to monitor advancement of an inserted catheter from the insertion site to an intralumimal stop site at or near the targeted location; delivering a bolus of a magnetic resonance contrast agent through the tip of the catheter and to the intraluminal stop site, wherein the magnetic contrast agent alters the first modified MR image of the subject's blood vessels; acquiring and displaying an updated second MR modified image of the blood vessels at and downstream of the tip of the catheter.

Abstract: MP-SSFP sequences, including intervolume sequences and CHESS sequences, that facilitate improving MR imaging are provided. Slice selective pulses in an MP-SSFP sequence are altered so that a smaller set of spins refocus at echo time during a missed pulse, reducing artifacts in an image reconstructed from a signal acquired from the refocused spins. In one example, a slice selective pulse is replaced with a chemical shift selective pulse so that the intersecting sets of spins are chemically related. In another example, an RF pulse is altered so that it acts as an intervolume selecting pulse.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system (100) performs optimized chemical-shift excitation. A computer system (110) performs a constrained numerical optimization to determine radio frequency (RF) pulse amplitudes, phase angles, and interpulse intervals for a binomial-like RF pulse sequence that will excite magnetization (41) of a selective one of two chemical species, such as water and fat for example, of a subject (102) in relatively less time and that may therefore be used at lower magnetic fields. A static magnet (132) produces a magnetic field along a predetermined axis relative to the subject Pulse sequence apparatus (134, 152, 154, 156, 158) creates magnetic field gradients with the magnetic field, applies RF pulsed magnetic fields, and receives resulting RF magnetic resonance (MR) signals. Pulse sequence control apparatus (142) controls the pulse sequence apparatus to apply the binomial-like RF pulse sequence to the subject.

Abstract: A method for correcting MRI motion artifacts and main field fluctuations. A series of data prints are acquired at read points along a radial axis to form a view (210). Subsequent views define a NMR data set. A processor stores the NMR data set and reconstructs an image array from a stored NMR data set by; a) reconstructing the NMR data set along a radial axis; b) producing a correction data array including correction values where each of the correction values is calculated as a function of the corresponding stored NMR datum and the stored NMR datum for the intersection of the first and subsequent projection (200) axes; c) applying the data in the correction array to the NMR data set to produce a final NMrR data set.

Abstract: A method and device for generating a forensic skull and soft tissue database used for the on-line facial reconstruction of victims and age progression portrait rendering of missing children through utilization of advance diagnostic radiologic modalities.

Abstract: Audio information is spoken into a microphone and saved in digitized form in an electronic file. The digitized information is converted into a format which is usable within a particular MRI system. Thereafter, a electronically store pulse sequence, useable within the selected MRI system, is selected and edited to incorporate the converted digitized verbal information and appropriate header information. When the edited pulse sequence is operated by the MRI system, audio information is projected which can be heard by the human ear using the elements of an existing MRI system.