Abstract: A method includes obtaining a plurality of magnetic resonance (MR) coil images of a subject of interest, each MR coil image being generated from one of an array of MR receiving coils; combining the plurality of coil images to generate an image estimate of the subject of interest; performing a multichannel blind deconvolution (MBD) process including: deriving coil sensitivity information for every one of the array of MR receiving coils based on the image estimate or a filtered image estimate derived from the image estimate; updating the image estimate or the filtered image estimate using the derived coil sensitivity information to generate an updated image estimate; and applying a homomorphic filter to the image estimate to derive the filtered image estimate, or to the updated image estimate to derive a filtered updated image estimate, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of automatically analyzing brain fiber tracts information. The method includes the steps as follows: providing a brain reference template with a plurality of reference fiber tracts, wherein the reference fiber tracts have at least a coordinate information; providing an object image with a plurality of object fiber tracts, and each object fiber tract includes at least an object information; transforming the object image according to the brain reference template; sampling the transformed object image with the brain reference template to make the object information co-register with the coordinate information, and further to get an analyzing result of each object information.

Abstract: Provided is a medical imaging apparatus including a scanner configured to acquire projection data of an object, a three dimensional (3D) recovery module configured to recover a volume of the object based on the projection data, a two dimensional (2D) image generator configured to generate a 2D image of the object based on the volume of the object, a 3D image generator configure to generate a 3D image of the object based on the volume of the object, a 2D display configured to display the 2D image of the object, and a 3D display configured to display the 3D image of the object.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance apparatus is provided. The magnetic resonance apparatus includes a scanning unit configured to execute a plurality of T2-weighted sequences having different echo times, and a plurality of diffusion-weighted sequences having different b factors, a first calculating unit configured to calculate a T2 value based on a plurality of T2-weighted images obtained by the plurality of T2-weighted sequences, a second calculating unit configured to calculate a perfusion fraction where the T2 value is not taken into account based on a first T2-weighted image in the plurality of T2-weighted images and a plurality of diffusion-weighted images obtained by the plurality of diffusion-weighted sequences, and a third calculating unit configured to calculate a perfusion fraction where the T2 value has been taken into account based on the T2 value calculated by the first calculating unit, and based on the perfusion fraction calculated by the second calculating unit.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for assessing the condition of a cartilage in a joint, particularly a human knee. The methods include converting an image such as an MRI to a three dimensional map of the cartilage. The cartilage map can be correlated to a movement pattern of the joint to assess the affect of movement on cartilage wear. Changes in the thickness of cartilage over time can be determined so that therapies can be provided. Information on thickness of cartilage and curvature of cartilage or subchondral bone can be used to plan therapy. Information on movement pattern can be used to plan therapy.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for quantitatively determining a score for a patient having a disorder, e.g. a stroke, in a tissue, such as the brain, by analyzing both the extent and location of damage to the tissue caused by the disorder.

Abstract: The invention provides magnetic resonance imaging methods for detecting cardiac diseases including myocardial fibrosis. Specifically, the invention provides a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pulse sequence that could be used to perform magnetization transfer (MT) or chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) in the heart.

Abstract: An atlas-free magnetic resonance imaging method images at least one part of a brain. An MRI sequence configured for acquiring two image volumes of the part at different inversion times within a single acquisition is combined to a fat-water separation method for acquiring a fat-water separated image. For each echo time two image volumes are acquired, respectively a first image volume and a second image volume at the first echo time, and a first image volume and a second image volume at the second echo time, and combined to a uniform image. The acquired images are combined to form a final uniform image, a final fat-water separated image, and a final second image volume that are fed into a multichannel image segmentation algorithm using a Markov random field model for segmenting the part into multiple classes of cranial tissues, in order to obtain a segmented image of said part.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a method for detecting indications of the presence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementia-inducing, motor-control-related pathologies, and other diseases in the human brain using a magnetic-resonance based technique for measuring fine tissue and bone textures. Specifically, the invention focuses on refinements/adaptations to a prior art magnetic resonance fine texture measurement technique that facilitates/enables pushing the detection limits closer to the cellular level, so as to be able to measure the fine scale structures and tissue changes that are known to be characteristic of the neurodegenerative processes involved in the development of these diseases.

Abstract: A method of processing signals from an accelerated MRI scan of a dynamic event occurring in the body of a human patient. The patient is subjected to an MRI examination which includes the relevant portion of his body. Those voxels for which there is no substantially no change over the time of the scan are identified and subtracted from the overall scan signal.

Abstract: A method of acquiring an image biomarker suitable for prognosis of a blood-related disease, such as acute myeloid leukemia, includes the steps of: (a) acquiring physical parameter sets, each including at least two parameters, respectively from time-signal intensity curves, these curves being respectively obtained from magnetic resonance image sets of different subjects; each of the image sets being acquired through MRI scanning using one of first and second configuration parameter sets; (b) analyzing the physical parameter sets thus acquired and (c) establishing a risk score function that is a sum of products of each of the physical parameters and the corresponding weight value, wherein a risk score obtained using the risk score function serves as the image biomarker suitable for prognosis of the blood-related disease.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing accurate measurements of the magnetic properties of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in both liquid media and biological matrices for providing information on their size, size distribution and concentration in these media and matrices and, resulting in parameters that influence their functionality and effectiveness.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system acquires MRI data within one patient breath-hold sufficient to generate (a) at least one tag-off first type non-contrast cardiac perfusion image using a data acquisition sub-sequence including a non-selective IR (inversion recovery) pulse and (b) at least one tag-on second type non-contrast cardiac perfusion image using a data acquisition sub-sequence including a non-selective IR pulse and a spatially selective IR pulse. A set of registered tag-on and tag-off images are differentially combined to produce an accurate cardiac perfusion image.

Abstract: Systems and methods employing spin editing techniques to improve magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) are discussed. Using these spin editing techniques, magnetic resonance signals of one or more non-target chemicals (chemicals whose signals are to be filtered out or suppressed) chemicals can be suppressed, so that the signal(s) of a set of target chemicals can be obtained without signals from the one or more non-target chemicals. Information about and differences between the molecular topologies of the first set of chemicals and the one or more unwanted chemicals can be used to design a sequence that suppresses the one or more unwanted chemicals while allowing acquisition of signal(s) from the first set of chemicals. These techniques can be employed to recover sharp peaks despite magnetic field inhomogeneities and susceptibility effects.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a magnetic resonance imaging system, a processor for controlling the apparatus, and a memory containing machine executable instructions and a pulse sequence. The machine executable instructions and pulse sequence cause the processor to control the apparatus to: acquire magnetic resonance data from an imaging volume, wherein the magnetic resonance data includes gradient echo data; segment the magnetic resonance data into a plurality of segments, the segments including a fat segment, a water segment, a cortical bone segment, and an air segment; and create a bulk density map of the imaging volume from the segments.

Abstract: A method for performing motion compensation in a series of magnetic resonance (MR) images includes acquiring a set of MR image frames spanning different points along an MR recovery curve. A motion-free synthetic image is generated for each of the acquired MR image frames using prior knowledge pertaining to an MR recovery curve. Each of the acquired MR images is registered to its corresponding generated synthetic images. Motion within each of the acquired MR image is corrected based on its corresponding generated synthetic image that has been registered thereto.

Abstract: In a method and a magnetic resonance (MR) system to generate MR images based on an MR measurement of the magnetic resonance system, MR data are acquired in three-dimensional k-space along straight lines proceeding in parallel. Each of these lines is defined by a point in a plane which intersects each line and that is situated orthogonal to each line. The points in the plane are arranged such that a distribution of the points obeys spiral phyllotaxis.

Abstract: A medical imaging system is provided. The medical imaging system comprises a movable acquisition device, a processing unit and a display, wherein the display is fixed to the movable acquisition device.

Abstract: An electrical insulator is applied to a bone anchor, for instance of a bone implant, such as an external fixation frame, so as to prevent undesirable temperature increases in the bone anchor and surrounding anatomical tissue when subjected magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: Systems and methods for application of fMRI as a biomarker of neural abnormalities are presented. A subject's activations of brain regions that occur while performing cognitive tasks in an fMRI scanning apparatus are measured. The resulting measurements are compared to the activations of brain regions that occur during each cognitive task for a control group. The comparison to the performance and brain activations of normal subjects determine the presence of cortical compensatory mechanisms that indicate neural abnormalities in the subject.

Abstract: The disclosure of the present application provides methods for the noninvasive determination of cardiac and pulmonary pressures based off of patient-specific medical images and one or more computations. In one exemplary embodiment, the method comprises noninvasively generating a patient-specific medical image of at least a portion of a heart, determining a free vibration measurement from the left ventricular free wall based on the patient-specific image, and performing at least one computation using the free vibration measurement to noninvasively determine a cardiac or pulmonary pressure.

Abstract: A needle placement manipulator includes, a pair of rotary guides arranged at a slanted angle with respect to each other, a needle holder which holds a needle along a needle holder axis, and a base body on which the guides are supported. The needle holder axis and each axis of the rotary guides cross at a single point located at or below the base body. The base body is configured to be attached to a patient or to an RF-coil.

Abstract: A non-invasive imaging system, including an imaging scanner suitable to generate an imaging signal from a tissue region of a subject under observation, the tissue region having at least one anatomical substructure and more than one constituent tissue type; a signal processing system in communication with the imaging scanner to receive the imaging signal from the imaging scanner; and a data storage unit in communication with the signal processing system, wherein the data storage unit is configured to store a parcellation atlas comprising spatial information of the at least one substructure in the tissue region, wherein the signal processing system is adapted to: reconstruct an image of the tissue region based on the imaging signal; parcellate, based on the parcellation atlas, the at least one anatomical substructure in the image; segment the more than one constituent tissue types in the image; and automatically identify, in the image, a portion of the at least one anatomical substructure that correspond to one

Abstract: A radiation therapy system comprises a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system combined with an irradiation system, which can include one or more linear accelerators (linacs) that can emit respective radiation beams suitable for radiation therapy. The MRI system includes a split magnet system, comprising first and second main magnets separated by gap. A gantry is positioned in the gap between the main MRI magnets and supports the linac(s) of the irradiation system. The gantry is rotatable independently of the MRI system and can angularly reposition the linac(s). Shielding can also be provided in the form of magnetic and/or RF shielding. Magnetic shielding can be provided for shielding the linac(s) from the magnetic field generated by the MRI magnets. RF shielding can be provided for shielding the MRI system from RF radiation from the linac.

Abstract: Featured are a new class of reporter genes including reporter compositions as well as methods, MRI systems and MRI imaging kits related thereto. The genes according to the present invention provide MR contrast when the sample/subject is irradiated at a specific off-resonance radio-frequency (RF frequency), where the contrast mechanism utilizes chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) technique for imaging.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) that includes performing a pulse sequence using the MRI system, the pulse sequence including a phase-based flow encoding to collect a time-series of image data from the portion of the vasculature of the subject and identifying at least a portion of the time series of image data corresponding to a period of reduced flow through the portion of the vasculature. The portion of the time series of image data is subtracted from the time series of image data to create a time series of images of the portion of the vasculature having background tissue surrounding the portion of the vasculature substantially suppressed.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a method and system for evaluating regional cardiac function and dyssynchrony from an imaging modality using the motion of endocardial features of the heart. In the method and system, an imaging modality such as a CT scanner is used to obtain an image sequence that is then processed using a computer program. The computer program is configured to create an endocardial mesh formed from triangular components that represents at least the region of interest of the subject's heart. From tracking the motion of conserved topological features on this endocardial mesh at least two time points a displacement map can be modeled. The displacement map can be further analyzed to determine metrics of regional cardiac function such as SQUEEZ, myocardial strain, torsion etc., and the displacement map can also be used to create visual representations of the function of the subject's heart.

Abstract: A diagnostic system is disclosed, and comprises a diagnostic device and a fluid heat transfer system. The diagnostic device has an associated bed for supporting a portion of a subject during a diagnostic procedure. The fluid heat transfer system comprises a fluid circulation component, a heater component, and a fluid line. The heater component includes a heater element and a mixing valve, and the fluid circulation component is fluidly coupled to the heater component so that a fluid can be pumped from the fluid circulation component to the heater component. The fluid line extends from the heater to the fluid circulation component, and the mixing valve is positioned near the bed so that heat can be rapidly transferred through the fluid line to alter a body temperature of the subject.

Abstract: In a magnetic resonance method and apparatus, a) data points of a physiological signal are detected, b) a trigger condition is evaluated depending on the detected physiological data points, c) a preparation module is executed to suppress unwanted signals in the time period in which the trigger condition has not yet been satisfied, d) after satisfying the trigger condition, an acquisition phase of predetermined duration is started, that includes at least two similar preparation modules to suppress unwanted signals and a respective following acquisition module to acquire measurement data, and e) after the acquisition phase, a) through d) are repeated until all desired measurement data have been acquired, with a time interval between two successive preparation modules being the same after a first execution of a preparation module in c) until the end of the acquisition phase in a subsequent d).

Abstract: A system and method for performing an MRI or MRS scan that is optimized for a particular target structure. A prescan is conducted during a first session in which an image that is optimized for segmentation is acquired along with an alignment scout image or a 2D or 3D navigator signal. The segmentation process is employed to locate and define the target structure. During a second session the alignment scout image or navigator signal is reacquired and the information is used to determine the position transformation needed to align images from the two sessions. The position transformation information and the segmentation information are then employed to tailor a prescribed pulse sequence to examine the target structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various methods and systems for performing magnetic resonance studies. In accordance with many embodiments, image or other information of interest is derived from super radiant pulses.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus (1) for magnetic resonance (MR) examination of a subject (S), comprising: an examination region (3) for accommodating the subject (S) during the MR examination; a radio-frequency system (5) for transmission of a radio-frequency (RF) signal or field into the examination region (3) during the MR examination; and a temperature control system (6) for controlling the temperature of the subject (S) in the examination region (3) during the examination. The temperature control system (6) is configured to actively control or regulate an environment of the subject (S), and thereby the temperature or thermal comformt of the subject (S) based upon a detected and/or an expected temperature of the subject (S) during the MR examination.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for automated MRI. According to an aspect, a method for MRI includes receiving a plurality of MRI data signals representative of a region including a volume of interest. The method also includes determining at least one subvolume within the VOI. Further, the method includes determining a state of the at least one subvolume. The method also includes implementing a predetermined action based on the predetermined state.

Abstract: An MRI-compatible catheter that reduces localized heating due to MR scanner-induced currents includes an elongated flexible shaft having a distal end portion and an opposite proximal end portion. A handle is attached to the proximal end portion and includes an electrical connector interface configured to be in electrical communication with an MRI scanner. One or more RF tracking coils are positioned adjacent the distal end portion of the shaft. Each RF tracking coil includes a conductive lead, such as a coaxial cable, that extends between the RF tracking coil and the electrical connector interface and electrically connects the RF tracking coil to an MRI scanner. In some embodiments of the present invention, the conductive lead has a length sufficient to define an odd harmonic/multiple of a quarter wavelength of the operational frequency of the MRI Scanner, and/or includes a series of pre-formed back and forth segments along its length.

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 and 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 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 for multiple chemicals that have been correlated to painful vs. non-painful discs. A display provides an indication of results for analyzed discs as an overlay onto a MRI image of the lumbar spine.

Abstract: Methods for determining the likelihood that a subject will be a placebo responder in a clinical study are provided. Also provided are methods for eliminating likely placebo responders from a clinical study a priori, thereby simplifying data analysis and minimizing or eliminating any confound that arises in the analysis as a result of placebo response. Databases and computer systems using the methods are also disclosed herein. Methods for assessing likelihood of a subject experiencing a response shift are also provided.

Abstract: A system for Non-Contrast Agent enhanced MR imaging, includes an MR image acquisition device that acquires first and second datasets representing first and second image slabs individually comprising multiple image slices acquired at fast and slow blood flow portions of a heart cycle and oriented substantially perpendicular in at least one axis to direction of vasculature blood flow, in response to a heart cycle synchronization signal. An image data processor processes imaging datasets representing the first and second image slabs to provide first and second volume datasets representing a 3D volume imaged at the fast blood flow portion and the slow blood flow portion respectively and for providing a difference dataset representing an image difference between the first and second volume datasets and enhancing arterial blood flow. A display processor provides data representing an image showing the enhanced arterial blood flow.

Abstract: An integrated magnetic resonance (MR) and positron emission tomography (PET) system includes an MR scanner including a magnet that defines an opening in which a subject is positioned, a set of PET detectors disposed between the magnet and the opening, and a plurality of data processing units, each data processing unit being configured for communication with a respective one or more of the PET detectors of the set of PET detectors. The plurality of data processing units are positioned along a side of the MR scanner not having the opening.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus controls image reconstruction based on magnetic resonance signals collected when a peak of detected respiration level falls within an allowable range which changes based on a change in a plurality of peak values of a plurality detected respiration levels.

Abstract: A medical device includes a sensor for sensing for an MRI gradient magnetic field and a microprocessor configured to operate in a signal processing mode in which electrical signals induced by the gradient magnetic field are not counted as cardiac events.

Abstract: A velocity selective preparation method is disclosed, for velocity selective arterial spin labelling (VSASL), the VSASL method using non-selective radiofrequency pulses and magnetic field gradients to modulate the longitudinal magnetization of the spins as a function of their velocity, wherein said velocity selective preparation method comprises an n-segment B1 insensitive rotation that is resistant to eddy current artifacts.

Abstract: A surgical guidance system is disclosed that allows for real-time imaging and patient monitoring during a surgical procedure. The system can include an MRI system for generating real-time images of the patient while surgery is being performed. Prior to surgery, a surgical plan can be created using a planning interface. A control unit receives the real-time image data and the surgical plan, and monitors the image data based on parameters included in the surgical plan. The control-unit monitoring occurs in real-time while the surgical procedure is being performed. The control unit can detect deviations from the surgical plan and/or high-risk patient conditions and instruct an alert unit to issue an alert based on the detected conditions.

Abstract: A system and method for improving available signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and speed of MR imaging of hyperpolarized substances is disclosed. The system and method include decoupling spin effects of hydrogen nuclei from non-hydrogen nuclei of interest during sampling of MR signals therefrom. Though the hydrogen nuclei of the hyperpolarized substance may not be directly bonded to the non-hydrogen nuclei of interest, resonance splitting may still impact SNR. Long range decoupling improves T2* time, and thus preserves signal strength and available SNR.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance (MR) system (10) minimizes noise for modes of an array of coils (261, 262, . . . , 26n). The system (10) includes an array of coils (261, 262, . . . , 26n) in which the coils of the array (261, 262, . . . 26n) share impedances. A splitter/combiner (30) receives a plurality of signals (S1; S2, . . . , Sn) from each of the coils (261, 262, . . . , 26n) and converts the plurality of signals (S1; S2, . . . , Sn) to a plurality of signals (S1; S2, . . . , Sn) which are compensated for the shared impedance. The splitter/combiner (30) splits the received signals (S1; S2, . . . , Sn) into components and combines components of like frequency and/or phase to create the impedance compensated signals (S1; S2, . . . , Sn). Each impedance compensated signal is amplified by a corresponding preamplifier (381, 382, . . . , 38n).

Abstract: A magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus includes a derivation unit to derive an apparent diffusion coefficient regarding a pixel position for each pixel position included in a region of interest in at least two original images obtained by imaging a same imaging region of a same subject using at least two b-factors which are different from each other, respectively, based on pixel values of each of at least two original images regarding the pixel positions, and a first estimation unit to estimate a pixel value obtained by using a b-factor which is different from the at least two b-factors, regarding each pixel position included in the region of interest, based on the apparent diffusion coefficient derived for each pixel position.

Abstract: A medical apparatus includes a magnetic resonance imaging system for acquiring magnetic resonance data from an imaging volume, a processor for controlling the medical apparatus, and a memory containing machine executable instructions and a pulse sequence. The magnetic resonance data acquired using the pulse sequence comprises free induction decay data and multiple gradient echo data. Execution of the instructions causes the processor to acquire the magnetic resonance data using the magnetic resonance imaging system in accordance with the pulse sequence, and reconstruct an in-phase image, a fat-saturated image, a water-saturated image, and an ultra-short echo time image from the magnetic resonance data, wherein the ultra-short echo time image comprises bone image data.

Abstract: In a method and a device for phase-sensitive flow measurement of a volume segment of an examination subject in a measurement system, the volume segment is divided into multiple partial volume segments and the following steps are executed repeatedly until the volume segment has been completely measured: movement of a table such that a center of one of the partial volume segments to be measured essentially corresponds to the isocenter of the magnetic resonance system, and implementation of the phase-sensitive flow measurement for the partial volume segment to be measured while the center of the partial volume segment essentially corresponds to the isocenter.

Abstract: The receive coil arrangement includes an inner coil adjacent the part to be imaged so as to maximize the received MR signal and an outer coil, which may be the built in body coil of the magnet, connected by cable to the signal processing system. Both the coils are individually tuned to the common resonant frequency and the receive coil include an arrangement to halt current flow therein during the transmit stage. The first coil has no cable and is arranged to communicate the MR signal therein to the signal processing system through the outer coil by inducing the MR signal onto the outer coil. Despite inherent losses by interfering with the tuning of the loops and in the inductive coupling this magnifies the MR signal and makes the first coil wireless. Arrangements are provided for generating from the output of the second coil separate signals for separate channels of the signal processing unit.

Abstract: In a medical apparatus and method, the apparatus installation has a placement device for a patient, into which placement device is integrated at least one electromechanical sensor. A signal evaluation device is supplied with the measurement signals generated with the at least one electromechanical sensor, for evaluation. The medical apparatus is connected with the signal evaluation device, and the medical apparatus acquires measurement signals that relate to breathing and/or cardiac activity of the patient with the at least one electromechanical sensor upon support of the patient on said placement device. Trigger signals are generated with the signal evaluation device based on the measurement signals which relate to breathing cycle and/or cardiac cycle of the patient. The operation of the medical apparatus is controlled based on the trigger signals.

Abstract: A system for displaying lung ventilation information, the system comprising an input (12) and a processing unit (15). The input being provided for receiving multiple CT images (71) of a lung, each CT image (71) corresponding to one phase of at least two different phases in a respiratory cycle. The processing unit (15) being configured to compare CT images (71) corresponding to different phases in the respiratory cycle for determining a deformation vector field for each phase, to generate for each phase a ventilation image (72) based on the corresponding deformation vector field, to spatially align the ventilation images (72), and to generate for at least one common position (62) in each one of the aligned ventilation images (72), a function (81) of a time course of a ventilation value for said common position (62), each ventilation value in the function (81) being based on the deformation vector fields corresponding to the aligned ventilation images (73).