基于NMR谱仪的医学MRI软件系统

开发了基于核磁共振（NMR）谱仪的医学MRI软件系统. 本文主要介绍了数据采集及处理系统,扫描方案的设计可以用于几乎所有的磁共振成像实验,预扫描定制方案解决了不同实验应有不同的预扫描这一要求,谱仪的无关性保证了本系统可以很方便地附加在任何谱仪上. 最后给出了软件系统跟DiSpect谱仪相联并在0.35 T系统上获取的实验结果.     

自制微成像系统的Spiral快速成像实现

自制了一种核磁共振微成像系统,本系统只需4根通用的I/O并行口线,就可以利用常规的NMR谱仪进行核磁共振微成像实验. 文中给出了相关的控制软件、螺旋（Spiral）快速成像相关软件以及实现过程,最后给出实验结果.     

MRI梯度预加重模块的分时复用设计

为获得更优的成像质量和更快的成像速度,磁共振成像（MRI）系统的梯度预加重模块需要具有更多的补偿通道和调节参数,常规预加重模块的设计方案使现场可编程门阵列（FPGA）面临巨大的资源消耗.为解决高性能梯度预加重模块的资源消耗大的问题,本文提出了一种基于分时复用技术的梯度预加重实现方案,以常规方案1/44的资源实现了11通道×4组参数的梯度预加重模块.将该模块用于0.35 T MRI系统,测试了补偿前后的涡流曲线和磁共振图像,结果表明该模块有效降低了系统的涡流,减小了磁共振图像中的涡流伪影.     

一种通用的核磁共振微成像系统

介绍了一种通用的核磁共振微成像系统,只需4根通用并行I/O口线,就可以附加在常规的NMR谱仪上,进行磁共振微成像实验.详细讨论了各个部件的研制问题,最后给出了本实验室利用此微成像系统做的MRI实验结果。     

基于布拉格反射镜的X射线多色单能成像谱仪

报道了一种基于布拉格反射镜的多色单能成像谱仪研制工作,谱仪由针孔阵列、布拉格反射镜和CCD相机组成.大约有300个微孔的针孔阵列板置于布拉格镜前用于空间成像,通过布拉格反射镜的单色化,投射到CCD上的数百个小孔成像沿色散方向获得了能量分辨.经过图像处理,可以还原得到目标的多色单能二维成像.根据采用的布拉格分光元件和图像还原方法,谱仪的能量分辨达到了50—200（λ/Δλ）;针孔成像的空间分辨优于10 μm.同时还为该谱仪开发了专门的单能图像重建软件及图像数据后处理软件,可以在任意选择的窄能带内还原准单能图像.并重点介绍了该谱仪的优化设计、获得的技术指标以及专门研制的超短周期（2.5 nm）X射线W/B₄C多层镜. 关键词： X射线光学 诊断技术 布拉格反射镜 X射线多层镜     

CAN总线在核磁共振波谱仪中的应用

介绍基于CAN（Controller Area Network,控制器局域网）总线构建核磁共振波谱仪通信系统的方案. 由STM32、FPGA（Field Programmable Gate Array, 现场可编程门阵列）和PCI-104完成CAN总线与以太网之间的通信数据转换,并使用可复用的CAN驱动程序设计方法简化系统设计, 实现了谱仪工作站与各控制器之间高速可靠的通信. 调谐实验过程中的数据通信测试结果表明,CAN总线是构建核磁共振波谱仪通信系统理想的解决方案.     

磁共振成像谱仪B0信号的高精度发生与测试

设计了一种基于现场可编程门阵列（FPGA）的磁共振成像（MRI）谱仪B₀信号的高精度发生方法,并对产生的B₀信号经高速采集卡采集之后进行测试和验证.FPGA从外部读取波形数据和参数,分别存储在双端口随机存取存储器（RAM）和参数寄存器中,根据预补偿算法实现B₀信号的发生,并通过对时间参数和幅度参数的控制,产生不同的B₀信号,时间分辨率为1 μs.对谱仪的B₀输出进行采集,再进行最小二乘拟合,以验证B₀信号发生的准确性.经实验证实,该设计可以产生正确、可控的高精度B₀信号.     

基于XUV激光脉冲和反应显微成像技术的原子分子光物理实验平台

基于高次谐波技术的超快激光系统可以通过控制脉冲时序实现对目标量子态的精准操控,反应显微成像谱仪实现了4π立体角内对量子少体碰撞过程的准确测量,两项先进系统的结合将极大拓展量子少体动力学研究的领域。目前,高次谐波的单频选择至关重要,同时反应显微成像谱仪的分辨率受真空度及冷靶分散度的影响较大。中国科学院近代物理研究所通过采用多级差分、钛真空靶室的设计,使得谱仪的真空度达到10–11 mbar量级,有效降低了本底噪声的影响;升级改造传统超音速冷靶系统的靶束产生装置,实现了靶厚度的自由调控,大大提高了探测器记录事件的准确性;本实验平台结合高次谐波产生多阶XUV脉冲单能化技术,实现了单能XUV超快激光系统和反应显微成像谱仪成功结合,该系统可以产生能量范围在20~100 eV之间的XUV脉冲,能够研究电离能或解离能在100 eV以下的原子分子动力学过程。     

L波段三维ESR成像系统的研制(Ⅰ)——L波段ESR成像的磁场及三维梯度磁场系统

研究并实现了L波段电子自旋共振三维成像（3D-EPRI）专用的三维梯度磁场系统，主磁场及扫描磁场系统以及相应的驱动控制系统. 梯度场线圈采用在铜板上用电切割方法加工的 平板式线圈，避免了用铜导线绕制线圈体积较大的缺点，从而缩小了主磁场的体积和极间距 . 梯度场强度在三维方向上均达到200 mT/m，驱动电流为20 A. 三维空 间线性度均优于5％；线性区域大于直径42 mm的球形空间. 两磁极间距离为63 mm，可以容纳通常体积的L波段谐振腔. 主磁场和扫描场线圈固定在同一轭铁架上. 它们可分别产生1.6～ 96 mT和0.2～16 mT的线性变化磁场. 5组磁场线圈（包括主磁场， 扫描磁场和三维梯度磁场）分别由5台独立的恒流驱动电源控制驱动. 电源通过数据接口由计算机控制. 初步成像实 验证明本工作所建立的磁场和梯度磁场系统可以用于EPRI实验.     

基于单片FPGA的磁共振成像梯度计算模块

提出了一种用于磁共振成像的高集成度的数字梯度计算模块. 它可以实时计算任意层面成像所需的梯度波形,并能对X、Y、Z三个通道做波形预增强处理. 该模块基于单片FPGA器件,梯度波形数据预存于FPGA内嵌的RAM中,波形更新时间最小为1 μs. 在FPGA内部通过复用一种快速IIR滤波器算法,能在1 μs时间内实现包含6组不同时间常数和幅度的预增强运算. 实验证明该系统具有通用性好、体积小和成本低等特点,为磁共振谱仪的研制提供了一种紧凑、灵活的梯度波形发生方案.      

Robust prescan calibration for multiple spin-echo sequences: application to FSE and b-SSFP

The collection of fast imaging techniques that use multiple spin-echo (MSE) sequences relies on a precise phase relationship between spin echoes and stimulated echoes that form along the radiofrequency refocusing pulse train. Failure to achieve this condition produces dark banding artifacts that result from destructive interference between signal coherence pathways. Satisfying this condition on the microsecond timescale required is technically challenging for conditions involving strong diffusion-weighted gradients, for arbitrary orientation acquisitions and at large field strengths with high-resolution acquisitions. Two clinically significant MSE sequences, fast spin echo (FSE) and balanced steady-state free precession (b-SSFP), are investigated in this work using a 4-T whole-body scanner. We developed a readout-projection-based prescan technique that ensures coherent signal formation by utilizing banding artifacts to automatically adjust gradient balance. Subsequent image acquisition using the results of this prescan permits the formation of coherent-echo images, which are robust under challenging imaging conditions. The robustness of this approach is demonstrated for FSE and b-SSFP images obtained from the knees of human volunteers. We believe that the use of this prescan calibration technique for the alignment of signal pools in MSE sequences is critical at high fields and will facilitate the implementation of high-quality clinically significant sequences such as FSE and b-SSFP.     

Motion artifact reduction technique for dual-contrast FSE imaging

There is considerable similarity between proton density-weighted (PDw) and T2-weighted (T2w) images acquired by dual-contrast fast spin-echo (FSE) sequences. The similarity manifests itself in image space as consistency between the phases of PDw and T2w images and in k-space as correspondence between PDw and T2w k-space data. A method for motion artifact reduction for dual-contrast FSE imaging has been developed. The method uses projection onto convex sets (POCS) formalism and is based on image space phase consistency and the k-space similarity between PDw and T2w images. When coupled with a modified dual-contrast FSE phase encoding scheme the method can yield considerable artifact reduction, as long as less than half of the acquired data is corrupted by motion. The feasibility and efficiency of the developed method were demonstrated using phantom and human MRI data.     

Contrast-enhanced high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging of autologous cartilage implants of the knee joint

Over the past decade, a number of interventions for durable cartilage repair have emerged. Magnetic resonance (MR) tomography is an excellent noninvasive method for monitoring cartilage repair tissues throughout the postsurgical period. However, evaluating cartilage morphology after matrix-based autologous cartilage implantation (ACI) with MR imaging (MRI) still remains a challenge. In this study, we combined a high-resolution cartilage-sensitive fast-spin echo (FSE) sequence with intravenous application of a contrast agent for enhancing synovial fluid. Two independent musculoskeletal radiologists interpreted the pictures for the thickness, length and surface of the cartilage implants. A multivariate two-way analysis of variance with two repeated measures was performed and showed that evaluation of cartilage implant morphology was significantly improved after the application of gadodiamide on proton density FSE images. Contrast-enhanced MRI of articular cartilages is a promising technique in the postoperative follow-up of patients after ACI.     

Venous cavernoma at 8 Tesla MRI

Cavernous angiomas or cavernomas are vascular malformations, which may be associated with risk of bleeding episodes. We present a case report comparing high resolution 8 Tesla gradient echo (GE) imaging with routine fast spin echo (FSE) at 1.5 Tesla in a patient with venous cavernoma. A 55-year-old male with a history of hemorrhagic stroke was studied using high-resolution 8 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, which revealed venous cavernoma (9 x 8.6 mm) in the left parietal region and visualized adjacent microvascular supply. Signal loss was prominent in the cavernoma region compared to surrounding brain tissue, and signal intensity declined by factor 7.3 +/- 2.4 (679 +/- 62%) on GE images at 8 Tesla. Cavernoma was not apparent on routine T(2)-weighted FSE images at 1.5 Tesla MRI. This case report indicates that GE images at 8 Tesla can be useful for evaluation of vascular pathologies and microvasculature.     

Diffusion-weighted MRI in prostate cancer -- comparison between single-shot fast spin echo and echo planar imaging sequences

Diffusion-weighted (DW) MRI at 1.5 T was carried out in two groups of patients. MRI data were correlated with the biopsy and histopathology (where available). The performance of two sequences -- a single-shot FSE (14 patients) and a single-shot EPI (15 patients) -- was compared. Average ADC values from the normal peripheral zone (PZ), central gland (CG) and the tumour [prostate carcinoma (PCa)] were calculated from b values of 0 and 600. Tukey-Kramer test was used for statistical analysis. EPI produced higher values of ADC (10(-3) mm(2)/s) than FSE sequence: 1.992+/-0.208 vs. 1.573+/-0.270 in PZ (P<.001), 1.518+/-0.126 vs. 1.373+/-0.179 in CG and 1.214+/-0.254 vs. 0.993+/-0.158 in PCa (P<.01). In conclusion, both EPI and FSE sequences showed differences in ADC between normal PZ, CG and PCa; however, EPI produced significantly higher ADC values than FSE.     

Fast triple-spin-echo Dixon (FTSED) sequence for water and fat imaging

A number of ‘Dixon’ techniques based on fast spin echo (FSE) sequence have been proposed and successfully used in many branches of medicine. Some require only one scan, but most of them need multiple scans and long scan times. This article describes a new fast triple-spin-echo Dixon (FTSED) technique suitable for ultra-high field MRI, in which three specific time shifts are introduced in the echo train; thus, three images with defined water-fat phase-differences (0, π, 2π) are encoded in the phase of the acquired images without extreme restrictions upon the echo duration. The water and fat images are then calculated by iterative least-squares estimation method. The sequence was successfully implemented at a 9.4 T ultra-high field MRI system and tested on a phantom and a rat.     

一种永磁磁共振中磁体涡流场的测量方法

磁共振成像（Magntic Resonance Imaging,MRI）技术是一种先进的医疗影像技术.在MRI系统中,通过梯度线圈电流快速切换方向,对待测区域施加梯度磁场,产生的梯度磁场会在其周围的金属体内激发出变化的涡旋电场,进而导致金属体内闭合的回路中产生对原来的梯度电流起抑制作用的感生电流,也就是我们所说的涡流.本文介绍了一种测量磁体涡流场的方法,结合电磁感应定律,设计了一种磁体涡流场测量装置,通过硬件采集以及软件处理的方法,将理想梯度场与实际磁场进行相减并将波形实时呈现,实验结果表明该方法可实现对磁体涡流场的测量.     

MRISim:磁共振成像仿真实验软件包

本文基于数值计算模拟技术,开发了模拟磁共振成像（MRI）数据采集与图像重建的仿真软件包——MRISim.虚拟数据采集部分通过对设备硬件、样品（标样或人体部位）进行物理数学建模后,构建原始模拟信号,并填充k空间,然后再基于k空间数据实现磁共振图像重建.该软件可以通过参数的任意调节对影响磁共振图像质量的因素进行可视化分析,包括11种常见伪影的特征和成因分析.我们的研究表明应用该仿真软件可以弥补台式MRI扫描仪价格昂贵、实验时间长等不足之处,实现对相关科技人员的批量化、规模化的实践操作培训.     

3D high-resolution contrast enhanced MRI of carotid atheroma — a technical update

Objective

Development of a fast 3D high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol for improved carotid artery plaque imaging.

Methods

Two patients with carotid atherosclerosis disease underwent 3D high-resolution MRI which included time-of-flight and T₁-weighted variable flip angle, fast-spin-echo (FSE) imaging, pre- and post-intravenous gadolinium-based contrast agent administration.

Results

Good quality images with intrinsic blood suppression were obtained pre- and post-contrast administration using a 3D FSE sequence. The plaque burden, lipid core volume, hemorrhage volume and fibrous cap thickness were well determined.

Conclusions

3D high-resolution MR imaging of carotid plaque using TOF and 3D FSE can achieve high isotropic resolution, large coverage, and excellent image quality within a short acquisition time.