Abstract: MR based molecular imaging is strongly supported by the accurate quantification of contrast agents. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a determination unit of an examination apparatus is adapted for determining an error propagation function, wherein the error propagation function is then used as a weighting function for an accurate determination Of AR2*. This leads to an improved examination result.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method MRI imaging. By applying a time modulation to the contrast enhancement of an MRI contrast agent, the method according to the invention leads to images with improved signal-to-noise ratio in the contrast-enhanced areas, strongly suppressed unwanted signal in the unenhanced areas, and reduced artefacts, such as motion artefacts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods and compounds for combined opticalultrasound imaging. The compounds of the present invention relate to particles comprising fluorescence donor and acceptor molecules for energy exchange via FRET. The methods of the present invention use ultrasound to modify the distance between donor and acceptor molecules present on the particles, and to consequently modify the fluorescence emitted by the donor and acceptor. The compounds and methods of the present invention are useful in medical or diagnostic imaging.

Abstract: A method for generating an MR image of an object situated in an examination volume of an MR apparatus begins with the acquisition of a plurality of echo signals having at least two different echo-time values (t1, t2, t3). The echo signals are generated from high-frequency pulses and magnetic-field gradient pulses by an imaging sequence. An intermediate MR image (5, 6, 7) is then reconstructed for each echo-time value (t1, t2, t3). By analyzing these intermediate MR images (5, 6, 7), local relaxation times (T2*(x)) and/or local frequency shifts (??(x)) are determined by taking account of the respective echo-time values (t1, t2, t3). Finally, a definitive MR image (11) is reconstructed from the echo signals (1) in their entirety.

Abstract: A method of magnetic resonance imaging is provided. The method includes the steps of applying a preparation pulse sequence to a subject (16) disposed in an examination region (14), acquiring k-space data related to a plurality of k-space trajectories through the center of k-space such as radial trajectories and reconstructing a first image form the k-space data wherein data within a region (210) around the center of k-space (205) of at least a first of the k-space trajectories is not used. Rather, data of only a limited number of views within said region is used for image reconstruction. Hence, image contrast is essentially determined by said limited number of views.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic resonance method for locating interventional devices, in particular in vivo, in which the interventional device bears a marking which in magnetic resonance images influences the measured signals or generates its own measured signals, where the measured signals are processed by means of a one-dimensional signal processing method in order to suppress noise and artefacts. This may in particular be the maximum entropy method, which can be further expanded by the use of model functions. These model functions are subtracted from the measured signals during the iterative method in order in this way to additionally improve the elimination of artefacts. As an alternative to the use of the maximum entropy method, the use of filters, in particular Wiener filters or bandpass filters, is also possible.

Abstract: The invention relates to an MR device with apparatus for localizing and/or visualizing a medical instrument inserted into an object to be examined. In order to construct such a device in a more economical and more reliable manner, according to the invention, the medical instrument is provided with a magnet device which is controllable by a control unit in such a manner that information concerning the position of the magnet device in MR data sets can be specifically changed. The invention also relates to a corresponding MR method.

Abstract: The invention relates to an MR imaging method, notably for real-time imaging, in which the phase errors that occur in the MR signals because of inter alia eddy currents, are continuously monitored on the basis of the MR data sets acquired for imaging. To this end, MR signals that are successively acquired with different read-out gradients are related to one another in order to detect changes in the eddy current behavior on the basis of the phase differences. If necessary, calibration measurements are initiated so as to determine phase correction profiles whereby the phase errors of the MR data sets are compensated. For the imaging in accordance with the invention use can be made of Echo Planar Imaging (EPI) sequences for which individual, successively acquired echo signals are related to one another in order to monitor the phase errors. These echo signals are measured with the same phase encoding and with each time opposed read-out gradients for this purpose.

Abstract: The invention relates to an MR imaging method, notably for real-time imaging, in which the phase errors that occur in the MR signals because of inter alia eddy currents, are continuously monitored on the basis of the MR data sets acquired for imaging. To this end, MR signals that are successively acquired with different read-out gradients are related to one another in order to detect changes in the eddy current behavior on the basis of the phase differences. If necessary, calibration measurements are initiated so as to determine phase correction profiles whereby the phase errors of the MR data sets are compensated. For the imaging in accordance with the invention use can be made of Echo Planar Imaging (EPI) sequences for which individual, successively acquired echo signals are related to one another in order to monitor the phase errors. These echo signals are measured with the same phase encoding and with each time opposed read-out gradients for this purpose.