Selective sampling magnetic resonance-based method for assessing structural spatial frequencies

摘要

The disclosed embodiments provide a method for acquiring MR data at resolutions down to tens of microns for application in in-vivo diagnosis and monitoring of pathology for which changes in fine tissue textures can be used as markers of disease onset and progression. Bone diseases, tumors, neurologic diseases, and diseases involving fibrotic growth and/or destruction are all target pathologies. Further the technique can be used in any biologic or physical system for which very high-resolution characterization of fine scale morphology is needed. The method provides rapid acquisition of selected values in k-space, with multiple successive acquisitions of individual k-values taken on a time scale on the order of microseconds, within a defined tissue volume, and subsequent combination of the multiple measurements in such a way as to maximize SNR. The reduced acquisition volume, and acquisition of only select values in k-space along selected directions, enables much higher in-vivo resolution than is obtainable with current MRI techniques.

主权项

1. A method for selective sampling to assess texture using magnetic resonance (MR) comprising:
transmitting a first RF pulse with a first gradient chosen for first slice selection; transmitting a second RF pulse with application of a second gradient chosen for slice selective refocusing in a region defined by an intersection of the first slice and a second slice; encoding a specific k-value with a selected gradient pulse; transmitting a third RF pulse with a third gradient activated, said third gradient adapted for slice selective refocusing, defining a region defined by the intersection of the first and second slices and a third slice selection to define a volume of interest (VOI); turning off all gradients; and, recording multiple samples of an RF signal encoded with the specific k-value in a single TR.