Time-resolved contrast-enhanced coronary magnetic resonance angiography with highly constrained projection reconstruction

Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is a promising technique for coronary artery imaging. The blood signal changes during the contrast injection will result in image artifacts, blurring and relatively low signal-to-noise ratio, when the k-space segments from different cardiac cycles are combined to reconstruct the final image as “time averaged.” Thus, it is important to acquire data during maximal blood signal enhancement for first-pass, contrast-enhanced MRA, and relatively high temporal resolution is required. This work demonstrated the feasibility of highly constrained backprojection reconstruction for time-resolved, contrast-enhanced coronary MRA. With this method, the temporal resolution can be increased. In addition, coronary artery images around blood signal enhancement peak have significantly improved contrast-to-noise ratio and suppressed artifacts compared to the composite images which were collected during a much longer acquisition time during substantial blood signal changes.     

Quantification and improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio in a magnetic resonance image acquisition procedure

A procedure is developed to quantify and improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of magnetic resonance images. The image SNR is quantified using the correlation function of two independent acquisitions of an image. To test the performance of the quantification, SNR measurement data are fitted to theoretically expected curves. The proposed correlation technique is also used to improve the SNR by estimating the amplitude of the signal spectrum. The technique is applied to a set of MR images, and its performance in terms of gain in SNR, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and resolution loss is compared to that of classical noise filters. The SNR as well as the CNR is improved significantly with minor loss of resolution. Finally, it is shown that the correlation technique can be implemented in a highly efficient way in almost any acquisition procedure of a magnetic resonance imaging system.     

MRI Visualization of Small Structures Using Improved Surface Coils

In this paper we present the spatial resolution enhancement and noise reduction level achieved with an optimized inductively coupled surface coil specifically designed for our experiments. The technique of designing and implementing customized coils for magnetic resonance imaging of very small structures is described. We have designed a low cost prototype of an inductively coupled circular surface coil, tuned for ¹H magnetic resonance imaging at 200 MHz. The coil is mounted on a customized teflon support. The inductive coupling used in this coil improves the signal-to-noise ratio by reducing various loss mechanisms (specially the dielectric losses). Test images have been acquired to determine the evolution of induced articular lesions in a rabbit animal model, as well as brain tumors in rats. The images show high spatial resolution, excellent B₁ field homogeneity and no “hot spots”. Comparing these images with those acquired with conventional coils, one finds better spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio, as well as larger field of view with less intense illumination artifact. The methodology can be used in any application that requires high quality imaging of small structures.     

High-field magnetic resonance imaging using solenoid radiofrequency coils

High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging using dedicated high-field radiofrequency micro-coils at 16.4 T (700 MHz) was investigated. Specific solenoid coils primarily using silver and copper as conductors with enamel and polyurethane coatings were built to establish which coil configuration produces the best image. Image quality was quantified using signal-to-noise ratio and signal variation over regions of interest. Benchmarking was conducted using 5-mm diameter coils, as this size is comparable to an established coil of the same size. Our 1.4-mm-diameter coils were compared directly to each other, from which we deduce performance as a function of conductor material and coating. A variety of materials and conductor coatings allowed us to choose an optimal design, which we used to image a kidney section at 10-micron resolution. We applied zero-fill extrapolation to achieve 5-micron resolution.     

基于lp范数的压缩感知图像重建算法研究

图像重建是光学成像、光声成像、声纳成像、核磁共振成像、 天体成像等物理成像领域中的关键技术之一. 近年来提出的压缩感知理论指出: 对稀疏或者可压缩信号进行少量非自适应线性投影,投影信号含有足够的信息, 从而能对信号进行高概率重建. 压缩感知已被应用于多种物理成像系统. 将罚函数法和修正Hesse阵序列二次规划方法相结合, 并采用了分块压缩感知思想, 提出一种基于l_p范数的压缩感知图像重建算法. 以cameraman, barbara和mandrill图像为例, 采用该算法进行图像重建. 首先, 在不同采样率下对图像重建. 即便采样率低至0.3时, 也能获得高达32.23dB的信噪比, 重建图像清晰可辨. 验证了该算法的正确性. 其次, 将该算法与正交匹配追踪算法进行对比, 在采样率达到0.5以上时, 能够获得高信噪比的重建图像, 成像时间也大为减少, 特别是采样率为0.7时, 成像时间减少88%. 最后, 与现有基于l_p 范数的压缩感知图像重建算法进行对比, 计算结果表明在成像质量有所提高的基础上, 成像时间大为缩短. 关键词： 图像重建 压缩感知 罚函数 修正Hesse阵序列二次规划     

高场超导MRI系统铁磁屏蔽的几何优化

磁共振成像（MRI）系统是一种重要的医学影像诊断设备,它根据核磁共振原理对处于静磁场中的人体器官进行成像,具有清晰度高和任意层面成像等优点,在医学检查和诊断方面有着重要的作用,与低场MRI相比,高场MRI系统可提高质子的磁化率,增加图像的信噪比,缩短MRI信号采集时间,从而使脑功能成像的信号变化更为明显;但是较高的背景...     

基于相关双采样的线阵CCD信号采集电路设计

针对CCD信号相关双采样（CDS）难于实现的问题,介绍了一种简单实用、易于实现的线阵CCD信号相关双采样电路。该电路采用CPLD、AD9844实现了线阵CCD时序驱动、信号相关双采样、自动增益、A／D转换等一体化设计。实验表明,设计的采集电路能有效地消除复位等多种噪声的影响,实现对背景光的自适应调整,达到提高信噪比,改善视频图像的目的。     

Miniature array postdetection-encoded MRI

A method for performing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements simultaneously from more than a single radiofrequency (RF) coil is presented. The method employs the detection of magnetic resonance signals in an array of detectors, where each detector is responsible for detecting a unique frequency bandwidth or a magnetic resonance signal from a unique location in a region in a primary, substantially homogeneous, static magnetic field. The detectors may be separated logically into groups, whereby all the detectors in a given group are essentially RF-decoupled from each other to substantially eliminate cross-talk by switching circuits or by being placed from each other sufficiently remotely. Sampling of detected signals from detectors in this array is done simultaneously over groups of noninteracting detectors. The detected signals from all detectors in a given group are simultaneously transmitted to a single preamplifier, thus increasing significantly the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in that preamplifier. Prior to transmitting each detected NMR signal of each detector to the preamplifier, each detected signal is separately and uniquely encoded electronically. This provides a method whereby the signal of each detector is uniquely encoded. Accumulating all these encoded signals, which were simultaneously received in a number of RF detectors into a single amplifier, results in the total signal having a high SNR ratio. This total amplified signal is later decoded into each detector's original signal by a decoding circuitry. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques may be thereafter applied to obtain an image. Or else, conventional NMR techniques may be thereafter applied to obtain an improved SNR from a sample, using a single preamplifier with a multitude of detectors. Applying this method to a large number of miniature and closely packed RF detectors placed in an array-like configuration results in an MRI technique with a very fast acquisition time, an increased SNR and a high spatial resolution equivalent to the number of detectors per unit of length. Deblurring and decoupling algorithms allow for images from layers as deep as 6 mm to be acquired.     

Automated phase correction via maximization of the real signal

Due to improved quantification capabilities and enhanced signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), phase-corrected real reconstruction in magnetic resonance imaging is superior to the common magnitude reconstruction, especially at low SNR. This requires the development of an automated phase-correction algorithm. Existing methods are not well suited for multiple unconnected regions of very low SNR. For this situation, a method based on the real-signal maximization is implemented, in which the experimental image phase is approximated by a three-dimensional polynomial of up to third order. The presented implementation was successfully applied to data originating from different samples and pulse sequences.     

Robust estimation of the cerebral blood flow in arterial spin labelling

The introduction of arterial spin labelling (ASL) techniques in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has made feasible a non-invasive measurement of the cerebral blood flow (CBF). However, to date, the low signal-to-noise ratio of ASL gives us no option but to repeat the acquisition to accumulate enough data in order to get a reliable signal. The perfusion signal is then usually extracted by averaging across the repetitions. But the sample mean is very sensitive to outliers. A single incorrect observation can therefore be the source of strong detrimental effects on the perfusion-weighted image estimated with the sample mean.     

The Influence of Fast Fourier Transform on the Signal-Spectrum Estimation

We analyze the accuracy of digital estimation of the signal spectrum. Quantization noise introduced by the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and fast Fourier transform (FFT) is allowed for. The basic analysis is carried out using the example of a test harmonic signal. The characteristic of the signal-to-noise ratio, called the effective binary word size of a harmonic signal is introduced. Optimal combinations between the ADC word size and the FFT type used are discussed.     

Spectroscopic imaging of the brain with phased-array coils at 3.0 T

The goal of this study was to develop and evaluate high-resolution magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) utilizing the gains in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) provided by combining higher magnetic field with high-sensitivity phased-array (PA) coils. We investigated the maximum improvement in spatial resolution as small as 0.09 cm(3) for brain MRSI while maintaining adequate SNR and acquisition time. The use of low peak power, dual-band spectral-spatial pulses was also investigated for application to 3 T MRSI of the brain using the body coil for radiofrequency excitation and PA coils for signal reception.     

Implications of the Rician distribution for fMRI generalized likelihood ratio tests

In functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the general linear model test (GLMT) is widely used for brain activation detection. However, the GLMT relies on the assumption that the noise corrupting the data is Gaussian distributed. Because the majority of fMRI studies employ magnitude image reconstructions, which are Rician distributed, this assumption is invalid and has significant consequences in case the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is low. In this study, we show that the GLMT should not be used at low SNR. Furthermore, we propose a generalized likelihood ratio test for magnitude MR data that has the same performance compared to the GLMT for high SNR, but performs significantly better than the GLMT for low SNR.     

Broadband photonic ADC for microwave photonics-based radar receiver

A broadband photonic analog-to-digital converter(ADC) for X-band radar applications is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. An X-band signal with arbitrary waveform and a bandwidth up to 2 GHz can be synchronously sampled and processed due to the optical sampling structure. In the experiment, the chirp signal centered at 9 GHz with a bandwidth of 1.6 GHz is sampled and down-converted with a signal-to-noise ratio of 7.20 d B and an improved noise figure. Adopting the photonic ADC in the radar receiver and the above signal as the transmitted radar signal, an X-band inverse synthetic aperture radar system is set up, and the range and cross-range resolutions of 9.4 and 8.3 cm are obtained, respectively.     

Comparison of fast field-cycling magnetic resonance imaging methods and future perspectives

ABSTRACT

Fast field-cycling (FFC) nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometry is a well-established method to determine the relaxation rates as a function of magnetic field strength. This so-called nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion gives insight into the underlying molecular dynamics of a wide range of complex systems and has gained interest especially in the characterisation of biological tissues and diseases. The combination of FFC techniques with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers a high potential for new types of image contrast more specific to pathological molecular dynamics. This article reviews the progress in FFC-MRI over the last decade and gives an overview of the hardware systems currently in operation. We discuss limitations and error correction strategies specific to FFC-MRI such as field stability and homogeneity, signal-to-noise ratio, eddy currents and acquisition time. We also report potential applications with impact in biology and medicine. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future applications in transferring the underlying molecular dynamics into novel types of image contrast by exploiting the dispersive properties of biological tissue or MRI contrast agents.     

基于优化后流动敏感黑血序列的豆纹动脉3 T磁共振成像

豆纹动脉是大脑内部的重要动脉,其阻塞往往会导致腔隙性脑梗死.现在在临床上主要利用数字减影血管造影(Digital Subtraction Angiography,DSA)技术实现豆纹动脉成像,然而DSA的有创性是其重要的限制因素.有研究表明,在高场磁共振系统(7 T)下,时间飞跃法(Time-Of-Flight,TOF)已经能够得到较好的豆纹动脉影像,但是在临床使用的1.5 T或3 T磁共振系统下,由于豆纹动脉的管腔直径非常小(大约为0.3~0.7 mm)、血流速度比较慢,对其成像仍然是个挑战.该文主要研究了在3 T磁共振系统下使用流动敏感黑血(Flow-Sensitive Black-Blood,FSBB)序列对豆纹动脉进行成像的方法,并对该成像序列中流动敏感梯度的设计进行了优化,使其在扫描时间和图像分辨率、对比度、信噪比等方面都能够基本满足临床使用的要求.     

An optimized solenoidal head radiofrequency coil for low-field magnetic resonance imaging

Applications of low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems (<0.3 T) are limited due to the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) being lower than that provided by systems based on superconductive magnets (≥1.5 T). Therefore, the design of radiofrequency (RF) coils for low-field MRI requires careful consideration as significant gains in SNR can be achieved with the proper design of the RF coil. This article describes an analytical method for the optimization of solenoidal coils. Coil and sample losses are analyzed to provide maximum SNR and optimum B₁ field homogeneity. The calculations are performed for solenoidal coils optimized for the human head at 0.2 T, but the method could also be applied to any solenoidal coil for imaging other anatomical regions at low field. Several coils were constructed to compare experimental and theoretical results. A head magnetic resonance image obtained at 0.2 T with the optimum design is presented.     

Application of time-variable feedback to the input amplifier of pulse magnetic resonance spectrometers: Experimental studies

Experimental research on the improvement of the sensitivity and time resolution of pulsed magnetic resonance spectrometers is discussed. It is shown that application of a time-variable feedback of a signal to the input of the receiver amplifier can decouple, the “fixed” relationship between the quality factorQ and the ringdown time of the resonance system. Experiments were performed with low-frequency, radio-frequency and microwave pulse-type magnetic resonance receivers. Modifications of an S/C-band electron spin echo modulation spectrometer carried out to check the “time-variable feedback” performance are described. It is demonstrated that the application of a time-variable feedback can significantly reduce the ringdown time and improve the recovery properties of the magnetic resonance receiver system. It is also demonstrated that the time-variable feedback can improve the overall receiver sensitivity due to the fact that the working bandwidth of the resonance system can be optimized separately for the transmitting and the receiving mode. Signal values could be increased at least three times and the signal-to-noise ratio about 1.5–2 times. The largest improvement is achieved with the initially overcoupled resonator. Experimental spectra of test samples for different settings of the time-variable feedback are shown.     

Digital Filter Banks in MR Measurement of Gradient Magnetic Fields

The sensitivity of spectroscopic methods based on nuclear magnetic resonance (MR) is limited, in particular by the magnitude of noise in the signal being measured. In MR tomography and, above all, in localized spectroscopy and spectroscopic MR imaging, this problem becomes even more pronounced. When gradient magnetic fields are used, it cannot be fully ruled out that there will be a change in the basic magnetic field due to the eddy currents in conducting materials in the neighborhood of the sample being measured. This results in a local change in instantaneous frequency of the resonance of nuclei and in a distortion of spectral lines or MR image. For methods that eliminate this distortion and for an accurate calculation of the constants of (in particular long) preemphasis filters, techniques have been developed and experimentally tested that are based on measuring the instantaneous frequency of the signal detected with a very low signal-to-noise ratio. Adaptive filtering methods and filtering based on filter banks have been developed to reduce the level of noise. Results of these two types of filtering are described in the paper. The filtering techniques developed can be used also in other applications and thus contribute to increasing quality of methods for examining the properties of biological and chemical substances. Authors' address: Eva Gescheidtova, Department of Theoretical and Experimental Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication, Brno University of Technology, Kolejni 2906/4, Brno 61200, Czech Republic