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Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)'
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1
Peterson, Erika. "Synthetic MRI for visualization of quantitative MRI." Thesis, Linköpings universitet, Avdelningen för radiologiska vetenskaper, 2013. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-102651.
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an imaging technique that is used in hospitals worldwide. The images are acquired through the use of an MRI scanner and the clinical information is provided through the image contrast, which is based on the magnetic properties in biological tissue. By altering the scanner settings, images with different contrast properties can be obtained. Conventional MRI is a qualitative imaging technique and no absolute measurements are performed. At Center for Medical Imaging and Visualization (CMIV) researchers are developing a new MRI technique named synthetic MRI (SyMRI). SyMRI is based on quantitative measurements of data and absolute values of the magnetic properties of the biological tissue can be obtained. The purpose of this master thesis has been to take the development of SyMRI a step further by developing and implementing a visualization studio for SyMRI imaging of the human brain. The software, SyMRI Brain Studio, is intended to be used in clinical routine. Input from radiologists was used to evaluate the imaging technique and the software. Additionally, the requirements of the radiologists were converted into technical specifications for the imaging technique and SyMRI Brain Studio. Additionally, validation of the potential in terms of replacing conventional MRI with SyMRI Brain Studio was performed. The work resulted in visualization software that provides a solid formation for the future development of SyMRI Brain Studio into a clinical tool that can be used for validation and research purposes. A list of suggestions for the future developments is also presented. Future clinical evaluation, technical improvements and research are required in order to estimate the potential of SyMRI and to introduce the technique as a generally used clinical tool.
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Eichner, Cornelius. "Slice-Accelerated Magnetic Resonance Imaging." Doctoral thesis, Universitätsbibliothek Leipzig, 2015. http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bsz:15-qucosa-184944.
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This dissertation describes the development and implementation of advanced slice-accelerated (SMS) MRI methods for imaging blood perfusion and water diffusion in the human brain. Since its introduction in 1977, Echo-Planar Imaging (EPI) paved the way toward a detailed assessment of the structural and functional properties of the human brain. Currently, EPI is one of the most important MRI techniques for neuroscientific studies and clinical applications. Despite its high prevalence in modern medical imaging, EPI still suffers from sub-optimal time efficiency - especially when high isotropic resolutions are required to adequately resolve sophisticated structures as the human brain. The utilization of novel slice-acceleration methods can help to overcome issues related to low temporal efficiency of EPI acquisitions.
The aim of the four studies outlining this thesis is to overcome current limitations of EPI by developing methods for slice-accelerated MRI. The first experimental work of this thesis describes the development of a slice-accelerated MRI sequence for dynamic susceptibility contrast imaging. This method for assessing blood perfusion is commonly employed for brain tumor classifications in clinical practice. Following up, the second project of this thesis aims to extend SMS imaging to diffusion MRI at 7 Tesla. Here, a specialized acquisition method was developed employing various methods to overcome problems related to increased energy deposition and strong image distortion. The increased energy depositions for slice-accelerated diffusion MRI are due to specific radiofrequency (RF) excitation pulses. High energy depositions can limit the acquisition speed of SMS imaging, if high slice-acceleration factors are employed. Therefore, the third project of this thesis aimed at developing a specialized RF pulse to reduce the amount of energy deposition. The increased temporal efficiency of SMS imaging can be employed to acquire higher amounts of imaging data for signal averaging and more stable model fits. This is especially true for diffusion MRI measurements, which suffer from intrinsically low signal-to-noise ratios. However, the typically acquired magnitude MRI data introduce a noise bias in diffusion images with low signal-to-noise ratio. Therefore, the last project of this thesis aimed to resolve the pressing issue of noise bias in diffusion MRI. This was achieved by transforming the diffusion magnitude data into a real-valued data representation without noise bias. In combination, the developed methods enable rapid MRI measurements with high temporal efficiency. The diminished noise bias widens the scope of applications of slice- accelerated MRI with high temporal efficiency by enabling true signal averaging and unbiased model fits. Slice-accelerated imaging for the assessment of water diffusion and blood perfusion represents a major step in the field of neuroimaging. It demonstrates that cur- rent limitations regarding temporal efficiency of EPI can be overcome by utilizing modern data acquisition and reconstruction strategies.
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Rydell, Joakim. "Advanced MRI Data Processing." Doctoral thesis, Linköping : Department of Biomedical Engineering, Linköpings universitet, 2007. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-10038.
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Graff, Christian George. "Parameter Estimation in Magnetic Resonance Imaging." Diss., The University of Arizona, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/195912.
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This work concerns practical quantitative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques and their implementation and use in clinical MR systems. First, background information on MR imaging is given, including the physics of the magnetic resonance, relaxation effects and how imaging is accomplished.Subsequently, the first part of this work describes the estimation of the T2 relaxation parameter from fast spin-echo (FSE) data. Various complications are considered, including partial volume and data from multiple receiver coils along with the effects of the timing parameters on the accuracy of T2 estimates. Next, the problem of classifying small (1 cm diameter) liver lesions using T2 estimates obtained from radially-acquired FSE data collected in a single breath-hold is considered. Several algorithms are proposed for obtaining lesion T2 estimates, and these algorithms are evaluated with a task-based metric, their ability to separate two classes of lesions, benign and malignant. A novel computer-generated phantom is developed for the generation of the data used in this evaluation.The second part of this work describes techniques that perform the separation of water and lipid signals while simultaneously estimating relaxation parameters that have clinical relevance. The acquisition sequences used here are Cartesian and radial versions of Gradient and Spin-Echo (GRASE). The radial GRASE technique is post-processed with a novel algorithm that estimates the T2 of the water signal independent of the lipid signal. The accuracy of this algorithm is evaluated in phantom and its potential use for detecting inflammation of the liver is evaluated using clinical data. Cartesian GRASE data is processed to obtain T2-dagger and lipid fraction estimates in bone which can be used to assess bone quality. The algorithm is tested in phantom and in vivo, and preliminary results are given.In the concluding chapter results are summarized and directions for future work are indicated.
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Brown, David Gerald. "Instrumentation for parallel magnetic resonance imaging." Texas A&M University, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/4784.
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Parallel magnetic resonance (MR) imaging may be used to increase either the
throughput or the speed of the MR imaging experiment. As such, parallel imaging may
be accomplished either through a "parallelization" of the MR experiment, or by the use
of arrays of sensors. In parallelization, multiple MR scanners (or multiple sensors) are
used to collect images from different samples simultaneously. This allows for an
increase in the throughput, not the inherent speed, of the MR experiment. Parallel
imaging with arrays of sensor coils, on the other hand, makes use of the spatial
localization properties of the sensors in an imaging array to allow a reduction in the
number of phase encodes required in acquiring an image. This reduced phase-encoding
requirement permits an increase in the overall imaging speed by a factor up to the
number of sensors in the imaging array. The focus of this dissertation has been the
development of cost-effective instrumentation that would enable advances in the state of
the art of parallel MR imaging.
First, a low-cost desktop MR scanner was developed (< $13,000) for imaging small
samples (2.54 cm fields-of view) at low magnetic field strengths (< 0.25 T). The
performance of the prototype was verified through bench-top measurements and
phantom imaging. The prototype transceiver has demonstrated an SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) comparable to that of a commercial MR system. This scanner could make
parallelization of the MR experiment a practical reality, at least in the areas of small
animal research and education.
A 64-channel receiver for parallel MR imaging with arrays of sensors was also
developed. The receiver prototype was characterized through both bench-top tests and
phantom imaging. The parallel receiver is capable of simultaneous reception of up to
sixty-four, 1 MHz bandwidth MR signals, at imaging frequencies from 63 to 200 MHz,
with an SNR performance (on each channel) comparable to that of a single-channel
commercial MR receiver. The prototype should enable investigation into the speed
increases obtainable from imaging with large arrays of sensors and has already been
used to develop a new parallel imaging technique known as single echo acquisition
(SEA) imaging.
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Rej, Ewa. "Hyperpolarized Nanodiamond for Magnetic Resonance Imaging." Thesis, The University of Sydney, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/2123/15915.
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This thesis describes a new MRI contrast agent based on hyperpolarized 13C in nanodiamond. Nanodiamonds are readily available, non-toxic, can be surface functionalized, and have long T1 relaxation times. Electronic defects in the nanodiamonds are used to hyperpolarize the 13C nuclear spins through dynamic nuclear polarization, building up large nuclear magnetic resonance signals that persist for a long time. Enhancements are comparable to those used in liquid state hyperpolarization experiments, and can be detected in an MRI scan with low background signal. This imaging modality encompasses no ionizing radiation, and long imaging windows stemming from the long T1 relaxation times of solids.
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MacLellan, Steven. "Novel polymeric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents." Thesis, University of Strathclyde, 2009. http://oleg.lib.strath.ac.uk:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=12805.
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Richards, Jennifer Margaret Jane. "Magnetic resonance imaging in cardiovascular disease." Thesis, University of Edinburgh, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/1842/8079.
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Background Superparamagnetic particles of iron oxide (SPIO) are part of a novel and exciting class of ‘smart’ magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents that are taken up by inflammatory cells. Ultrasmall SPIO (USPIO; ~30 nm diameter) can be used to assess cellular tissue inflammation and SPIO (80-150 nm) have the potential to be used to label cells ex vivo for in vivo cell tracking studies. Objectives The aims of the thesis were therefore (i) to develop and validate quantitative MRI methodology for assessing SPIO uptake within tissues, (ii) to demonstrate USPIO accumulation within the aortic wall and its implications in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), and (iii) to develop and apply a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliant method of SPIO cell labelling in healthy volunteers. Methods Patients with asymptomatic AAA >4.0 cm in diameter were recruited. Imaging sequences were optimised in eight patients using a 3 tesla MRI scanner. Data were analysed using the decay constant for multi echo T2* weighted (T2*W) sequences (T2*) or its inverse (R2*) and the repeatability of these measurements was established. A further twenty-nine patients underwent MRI scanning before and 24- 36 hours after administration of USPIO. T2 and multi echo T2*W sequences were performed and ultrasound-based growth rate data were collected. Operative aortic wall tissue samples were obtained from patients undergoing open surgical aneurysm repair. A GMP compliant protocol was developed for labelling cells with SPIO for clinical cell tracking studies. The effects of SPIO-labelling on cell viability and function were assessed in vitro. A phased-dosing protocol was used to establish the safety of intravenous administration of SPIO-labelled cells in healthy volunteers. The feasibility of imaging cells at a target site in vivo following local or systemic administration was assessed. Tracking of SPIO-labelled cells to a target site was investigated by inducing an iatrogenic inflammatory focus in the skin of the anterior thigh of healthy volunteers, following which autologous SPIO-labelled cells were administered and their accumulation was assessed using MRI scanning and histology of skin biopsies. Results Robust and semi-quantitative data acquisition and image analysis methodology was developed for the assessment of SPIO accumulation in tissues. In patients with AAA, histological analysis of aortic wall tissue samples confirmed USPIO accumulation in areas of cellular inflammation. USPIO-enhanced MRI detected aortic wall inflammation and mural USPIO uptake was associated with a 3-fold higher aneurysm expansion rate. Human mononuclear cells were labelled with SPIO under GMP compliant conditions without affecting cell viability or function. Both local and intravenous administration of SPIO-labelled cells was safe and cells were detectable in vitro and in vivo using a clinical MRI scanner. SPIO-labelled cells tracked to a focal iatrogenic inflammatory focus following intravenous administration in humans and were detectable on MRI scanning and histological examination of skin biopsies. Conclusions SPIO contrast agents have an extensive range of potential clinical applications. USPIO uptake in the wall of AAA appears to identify cellular inflammation and predict accelerated aneurysm expansion. This is therefore a promising investigative tool for stratifying the risk of disease progression in patients with AAA, and may also be considered as a biomarker for response to novel pharmacological agents. The ability to label cells for non-invasive cell tracking studies would facilitate the further development of novel cell-based therapies and would enable assessment of dynamic inflammatory processes through inflammatory cell tracking.
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Stephen, Renu M. "Magnetic Resonance Imaging Biomarkers For Targeted Cancer Therapies." Diss., The University of Arizona, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/194845.
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In 2007, there will be an estimated 178,480 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. The elucidation of the vast heterogeneity of individual tumors has led to a paradigm shift from a one-size fits all treatment strategy to more individualized treatment based on the molecular profile of the tumor. Identifying biomarkers that respond to or predict the action of drugs is important in identifying efficacious targets and drugs that will improve clinical outcome. To examine this, we first identified two breast cancer cell lines (ACC-3199 and ACC-3171) from a panel of low passage breast cells lines that were capable of growing serially as tumor xenografts. This was followed by the in vivo molecular characterization of these two cell lines. In ACC-3199 tumors, we identified a gain of pAKT expression compared to cultured cells. Based on this finding, we investigated the role of diffusion-weighted (DW) and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as potential imaging biomarkers in identifying early response to PX-866, a PI3K inhibitor, in ACC-3199 tumors as represented by changes in tumor cellularity and hemodynamic parameters, respectively. Our results indicated that DW-MRI was able to identify an early response to PX-886 in ACC-3199 tumors as defined by an increase in the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value of the tumors prior to changes in tumor volumes. Using DCE-MRI, we were able to conclude that PX-866 was not an effective anti-angiogenic agent as indicated by an increase in tumor permeability following therapy. Based on the VEGFR2 expression observed in ACC-3171 tumor xenografts, we examined the response of MDA-MB-231/GFP and ACC-3171 tumor xenografts to the anti-angiogenic agent, sunitinib, using the same imaging modalities. DW-MRI was able to detect increases in ADC values as early as 12 h post-treatment in both MDA-MB-231/GFP and ACC-3171 tumors. Thus, it appears that DW-MRI may be a useful clinical test in predicting the early response to PI3K and anti-angiogenic inhibitors. These imaging approaches, in addition to the further molecular characterization of breast tumors may lead to the improvement and development of medical therapies for breast cancer patients.
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Gray, Crawford F. "The development of magnetic resonance imaging for implant dentistry." Thesis, University of Glasgow, 2002. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.250064.
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McDougall, Mary Preston. "Single echo acquisition magnetic resonance imaging." Texas A&M University, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/3324.
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The dramatic improvement in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan time over the past fifteen years through gradient-based methods that sample k-space more efficiently and quickly cannot be sustained, as thresholds regarding hardware and safety limitations are already being approached. Parallel imaging methods (using multiple receiver coils to partially encode k-space) have offered some relief in the efforts and are rapidly becoming the focus of current endeavors to decrease scan time. Ideally, for some applications, phase encoding would be eliminated completely, replaced with array coil encoding instead, and the entire image formed in a single echo.
The primary objective of this work was to explore that acceleration limit  to implement and investigate the methodology of single echo acquisition magnetic resonance imaging (SEA MRI). The initial evaluation of promising array coil designs is described, based on parameters determined by the ability to enable the imaging method. The analyses of field patterns, decoupling, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) that led to the final 64-channel array coil design are presented, and the fabrication and testing of coils designed for 4.7T and 1.5T are described. A detailed description of the obtainment of the first SEA images  64xNreadout images, acquired in a single echo  is provided with an evaluation of those images and highly accelerated images (through parallel imaging techniques) based on SNR and artifact power. Finally, the development of methodologies for various MR applications is described: applications that would particularly benefit from the speed of the imaging method, or those to which the method or the tool (array coil) lends itself. These applications include, but are not limited to, 3D imaging (phase encode in the slice select direction), resolution-enhanced imaging, large-scale (field-of-view) microscopy, and conformal surface imaging. Finally, using the primary enablement of the method  the ability to obtain complete MR images at speeds limited only by the time it takes to acquire a single echo  is presented with a discussion of extremely high frame rate imaging.
The contribution to the field of medical imaging is the first implementation, characterization, and demonstration of applications for the acquisition of MR images in a single echo.
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Zhang, Weijuan. "Magnetic resonance imaging of the lungs in asthma and COPD." Thesis, University of Manchester, 2015. https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/magnetic-resonance-imaging-of-the-lungs-in-asthma-and-copd(beea3294-c75f-4baf-95f8-9ab2348362b1).html.
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This project focused on the pulmonary application of magnetic resonance (MR) quantitative equilibrium signal (qS0) mapping, dynamic oxygen-enhanced (OE-) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE-) MRI in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Initially, a retrospective analysis of MRI and X-ray computed tomography (CT) data from 24 COPD patients and 12 healthy controls demonstrated that MR qS0 mapping had good one-week reproducibility and was comparable to CT in the localization and quantification of emphysema in patients with COPD. In the same data, a reduced oxygen (O2) delivery signal was detected by dynamic OE-MRI in COPD patients regardless of the presence or absence of emphysema on CT, while a significantly reduced baseline spin-lattice relaxation time (T1air) was only observed in emphysematous COPD. Emphysematous COPD also showed significant correlations between dynamic OE-MRI readouts, i.e. enhancing fraction (EF) and the change in the partial pressure of O2 in lung parenchyma (ΔPO2max), and pulmonary diffusion capacity and CT estimates of emphysema. A prospective pilot study was conducted in 10 asthmatic patients which demonstrated that dynamic OE-MRI readouts, including EF, ΔPO2max and O2 wash-in time constant (τup), were reproducible within one month, sensitive to asthma severity and strongly correlated with spirometric readouts of airway function and lung volume. This was followed by a second prospective intervention study in 30 asthmatic patients and 10 healthy controls which revealed a pattern of decreased O2 delivery signal as a response to salbutamol inhalation in severe asthmatics but not in mild asthmatics or healthy controls using short-term repeated dynamic OE-MRI. In addition, DCE-MRI was also performed on 30 asthmatic patients and 10 healthy subjects. A semi-quantitative analysis demonstrated that contrast agent kinetics in asthmatic lungs were characterised by a reduced first-pass peak (SI%max) and a shallower downslope during the late redistribution phase (kwashout) than was observed in healthy controls, and that these were related to pulmonary function test measurements. An extended Tofts model-based quantitative analysis further revealed a significantly increased fractional extravascular extracellular space (ve) in patients with asthma than in healthy controls while the contrast agent transfer coefficient (Ktrans), an index related to vascular permeability, and the fractional blood plasma volume (vp), did not distinguish asthmatics from controls. In conclusion, this project demonstrated the promise of 1) MR qS0 mapping for the assessment of emphysema in COPD lungs, 2) dynamic OE-MRI for the assessment of impaired pulmonary oxygenation in COPD and asthma and for the monitoring of short-term treatment effects in asthma and 3) DCE-MRI for the evaluation of pulmonary microvascular inflammation in asthma. The non-invasive non-ionizing properties and simple setup requirements make these three proton MRI techniques attractive options in the assessment of structural and functional alterations of the lungs in asthma and COPD in clinical settings.
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Yoshimaru, Eriko Suzanne. "Magnetic Resonance Imaging Techniques for Rodent Pulmonary Imaging." Diss., The University of Arizona, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/293388.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a safe and widely used diagnostic imaging method that allows in vivo observation of anatomy and characterization of tissues. MRI provides a method to monitor patients without invasive measures, making it suitable for both diagnostics and longitudinal monitoring of various pathologies. A notable example of this is the work carried out by the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), which utilizes imaging, including multiple MRI techniques, to monitor disease progression in AD patients and evaluates treatment responses and prevention strategies. Similarly, MRI has been extensively used in evaluating diseases in a variety of animal models. In order to detect subtle anatomical changes over time, small differences in MR images must be accurately extracted. Furthermore, to ensure that the extracted differences are due to anatomical changes rather than equipment variance, it becomes essential to monitor and to assess the MRI system stability. In the first chapter of the dissertation, a method for monitoring pre-clinical MRI system performance is discussed. The technique developed during the study provides a fast and simple method to monitor pre-clinical MRI systems but also has applications for all areas of MRI. The second chapter describes the development of a 3D UTE MRI method for pulmonary imaging in freely breathing mice. The development of the 3D UTE sequence for pulmonary MRI has demonstrated its ability to collect images without noticeable motion artifacts and with appreciable signal from the lung parenchyma. Furthermore, images at two distinct respiratory phases were reconstructed from a single data set, providing functional information of the rodents' lungs. Finally, in the third chapter, 3D ¹⁹F UTE MRI is evaluated for imaging in vivo distributions of perfluorocarbon (PFC) nanoemulsions for measuring pulmonary inflammation. Building upon the development of pulmonary imaging, fluorinated contrast agents made from PFCs were used to target immune cells in response to pulmonary pathology. Both 3D ¹H and ¹⁹F UTE MRI were used to acquire pulmonary images of mouse models documented to have pulmonary pathology. Even though the mice had confirmed elevation in alveolar macrophage counts, no visible ¹⁹F signal accumulation within the pulmonary tissue was observed with MRI.
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Chen, Hua Hsuan. "The application of MRI and MRS in psychiatry and performance evaluation of magnetic field homogeneity in MRI : a dissertation /." San Antonio : UTHSC, 2006. http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=1155567931&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=70986&RQT=309&VName=PQD.
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Nylund, Andreas. "Off-resonance correction for magnetic resonance imaging with spiral trajectories." Thesis, KTH, Medicinsk teknik, 2014. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-147925.
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The procedure of cardiographic magnetic resonance imaging requires patients to hold their breath for up to twenty seconds, creating an uncomfortable situation for many patients. It is proposed that an acquisition scheme using spiral trajectories is preferable due to their much shorter total scan time; however, spiral trajectories suffer from a blurring effect caused by off-resonance frequencies in the image area. There are several methods for reconstructing images with reduced blur and Conjugate Phase Reconstruction has been chosen as a method for implementation into Matlab-script for evaluation in regards to image reconstruction quality and computation time. This method finds a conjugate to the off-resonance from a field map to demodulate the image and an algorithm for frequency‑segmented Conjugate Phase Reconstruction is implemented along with an improvement called Multi-frequency Interpolation. The implementation is tested through simulation of spiral magnetic resonance imaging using a Shepp‑Logan phantom. Different off-resonance frequencies and field maps are used to provide a broad view of the functionality of the code. The two algorithms are then compared to each other in terms of computation speed and image quality. It is concluded that this implementation might reconstruct images well but that further testing on actual scan sequences is required to determine the usefulness. The Multi-frequency Interpolation algorithm yields images that are not useful in a clinical context. Further study of other methods not requiring a field map is suggested for comparison.
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湯佩玲 and Pui-ling Tong. "Lanthanide complexes for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2001. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B42576210.
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Giardiello, Marco. "High relaxivity contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)." Thesis, University of Leicester, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/2381/7701.
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The development of Gd(III)-based contrast agents for MRI applications has intensified in recent years due to the paramagnetic ion’s long electron spin relaxation time and large effective magnetic moment, µeff. Secondly, the exploitation of the long lived luminescent properties of the Ln(III) ions has lead to the development of luminescent lanthanide probes for sensing, time resolved immunoassay and imaging applications. Herein a series of novel Ln-DO3A based complexes are reported. Modulation of relaxivity, r1, (Gd) and emission intensity (Eu, Tb, Sm and Dy) has been achieved in three ways: Firstly, mono- and bis-methyl Ln-dpp-DO3A based complexes have been prepared, where dpp is a pendant diphenylphosphinamide moiety. These show pH responsive relaxivity (Gd) and luminescence (Eu) with calculated pKa values of 8.65 (± 0.09) and 8.59 (± 0.14). Sensitised emission of Eu(III), Tb(III), Dy(III) and Sm(III) has been observed following excitation of the dpp antenna at λex ~ 270 nm. Relaxivities have been measured as r1 = 7.9 mMˉ¹sˉ¹and r1 = 8.2 mMˉ¹sˉ¹ in acidic media, q = 2 and r1 = 5.4 mMˉ¹sˉ¹ and r1 = 4.4 mMˉ¹sˉ¹ in basic media, q = 1 for the mono- and bis-methyl Gd-dpp-DO3A complexes respectively. The pH responsive behaviour has been attributed to the reversible ligation of the dpp moiety. Secondly, non-covalent attachment of the mono- and bis-methyl Gd-dpp-DO3A-based complexes to Human Serum Albumin (HSA) at pH 7.4 resulted in a 64% (r1 = 11.7 mMˉ¹sˉ ¹) and a 146% (r1 = 16.0 mMˉ¹sˉ¹) enhancement in relaxivity, with binding affinities, K, determined from luminescence studies as K = 22,268 ± 12% Mˉ¹and K = 20,059 ± 14% Mˉ¹ for the mono- and bis-methyl dpp Eu-dpp-DO3A complexes respectively. The negatively charged [Gd-dpp-aDO3A]3ˉ complex was developed in order to improve the observed relaxivity of the HSA bound species: r1 = 16.0 mMˉ¹sˉ¹, K = 17,915 (± 14%) Mˉ¹. Competitive binding studies with the fluorescent probes dansylsarcosine and warfarin showed each of the dpp complex analogues to bind preferentially to HSA site II, only the S-enantiomer of the mono-methyl Gd-dpp-DO3A showed an affinity for site I. Finally, an accumulation and activation strategy following enzyme activity has been demonstrated. Neutral q = 2 Gd(III) ethyl and acetoxymethyl ester Ln-DO3MA based complexes have shown decreased relaxivity in the presence of carbonate due to the inner sphere water molecule displacement by bidentate anion binding. The binding is suppressed by the introduction of negative charge to the complex following enzymatic hydrolysis of the ester groups, resulting in ~ 84% relaxivity enhancement (Gd) as well as Eu luminescence quenching. The high observed relaxivity of the ethyl ester model: r1 = 10.2 mMˉ¹sˉ¹ is attributed to the extremely short observed water exchange lifetime, τm = 7.9 ns.
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Rybicki, Frank John. "A novel encoding technology for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1994. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/39989.
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Tong, Pui-ling. "Lanthanide complexes for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents." Click to view the E-thesis via HKUTO, 2001. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record/B42576210.
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Adjeiwaah, Mary. "Quality assurance for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in radiotherapy." Licentiate thesis, Umeå universitet, Institutionen för strålningsvetenskaper, 2017. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-142603.
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) utilizes the magnetic properties of tissues to generate image-forming signals. MRI has exquisite soft-tissue contrast and since tumors are mainly soft-tissues, it offers improved delineation of the target volume and nearby organs at risk. The proposed Magnetic Resonance-only Radiotherapy (MR-only RT) work flow allows for the use of MRI as the sole imaging modality in the radiotherapy (RT) treatment planning of cancer. There are, however, issues with geometric distortions inherent with MR image acquisition processes. These distortions result from imperfections in the main magnetic field, nonlinear gradients, as well as field disturbances introduced by the imaged object. In this thesis, we quantified the effect of system related and patient-induced susceptibility geometric distortions on dose distributions for prostate as well as head and neck cancers. Methods to mitigate these distortions were also studied. In Study I, mean worst system related residual distortions of 3.19, 2.52 and 2.08 mm at bandwidths (BW) of 122, 244 and 488 Hz/pixel up to a radial distance of 25 cm from a 3T PET/MR scanner was measured with a large field of view (FoV) phantom. Subsequently, we estimated maximum shifts of 5.8, 2.9 and 1.5 mm due to patient-induced susceptibility distortions. VMAT-optimized treatment plans initially performed on distorted CT (dCT) images and recalculated on real CT datasets resulted in a dose difference of less than 0.5%. The magnetic susceptibility differences at tissue-metallic,-air and -bone interfaces result in local B0 magnetic field inhomogeneities. The distortion shifts caused by these field inhomogeneities can be reduced by shimming. Study II aimed to investigate the use of shimming to improve the homogeneity of local B0 magnetic field which will be beneficial for radiotherapy applications. A shimming simulation based on spherical harmonics modeling was developed. The spinal cord, an organ at risk is surrounded by bone and in close proximity to the lungs may have high susceptibility differences. In this region, mean pixel shifts caused by local B0 field inhomogeneities were reduced from 3.47±1.22 mm to 1.35±0.44 mm and 0.99±0.30 mm using first and second order shimming respectively. This was for a bandwidth of 122 Hz/pixel and an in-plane voxel size of 1×1 mm2. Also examined in Study II as in Study I was the dosimetric effect of geometric distortions on 21 Head and Neck cancer treatment plans. The dose difference in D50 at the PTV between distorted CT and real CT plans was less than 1.0%. In conclusion, the effect of MR geometric distortions on dose plans was small. Generally, we found patient-induced susceptibility distortions were larger compared with residual system distortions at all delineated structures except the external contour. This information will be relevant when setting margins for treatment volumes and organs at risk. The current practice of characterizing MR geometric distortions utilizing spatial accuracy phantoms alone may not be enough for an MR-only radiotherapy workflow. Therefore, measures to mitigate patient-induced susceptibility effects in clinical practice such as patient-specific correction algorithms are needed to complement existing distortion reduction methods such as high acquisition bandwidth and shimming.
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Rahman, Hosne Jahan. "MRI studies of polymeric systems." Thesis, University of Kent, 1991. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.303051.
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Ross, Peter James. "Strategies for speeding up Fast Field-Cycling MRI." Thesis, University of Aberdeen, 2016. http://digitool.abdn.ac.uk:80/webclient/DeliveryManager?pid=230548.
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Fast field-cycling MRI (FFC-MRI) is a novel technique that promises to expand upon the diagnostic capabilities of conventional MRI by allowing the main magnetic field, B0, to be varied during the imaging pulse sequence. By doing this it is possible to gain access to information that is hidden to conventional scanners - namely the variation of the spin-lattice relaxation time, T1, with field strength, known as T1 dispersion. However, adding B0 as a new dimension to the imaging process necessitates a longer scan time which can limit the techniques application to clinical research. In this thesis, several methods are explored for reducing FFC-MRI scan times. A rapid imaging pulse sequence based on the well-known Fast Spin-Echo imaging sequence is presented, as well as an adaptation of the “keyhole” acquisition strategy. A method of determining T1 which requires significantly less data - and hence scan time - is also presented. When combined, these techniques are demonstrated to reduce total scan time from several hours to minutes without compromising access to T1 dispersion information. The techniques are demonstrated in phantom studies and in vivo results from volunteers are presented as proof of concept. The reduction in scan time demonstrated by these methods will significantly improve the applicability of FFC-MRI for clinical trials which are currently being worked towards.
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Anderson, Christian Edwin. "High-Field Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting for Molecular MRI." Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies / OhioLINK, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case152478492457623.
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Rane, Swati Dnyandeo. "Parallel magnetic resonance imaging: characterization and comparison." Texas A&M University, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/2578.
Full textAbstract:
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is now increasingly being used for fast imaging
applications such as real-time cardiac imaging, functional brain imaging, contrast
enhanced MRI, etc. Imaging speed in MRI is mainly limited by different imaging
parameters selected by the pulse sequences, the subject being imaged and the RF
hardware system in operation. New pulse sequences have been developed in order to
decrease the imaging time by a faster k-space scan. However, they may not be fast
enough to facilitate imaging in real time. Parallel MRI (pMRI), a technique initially
used for improving image SNR, has emerged as an effective complementary approach
to reduce image scan-time. Five methods, viz., SENSE [Pruesmann, 1999], PILS
[Griswold, 2000], SMASH [Sodickson, 1997], GRAPPA [Griswold, 2002] and SPACE
RIP [Kyriakos, 2000]; developed in the past decade have been studied, simulated
and compared in this research. Because of the dependence of the parallel imaging
methods on numerous factors such as receiver coil configuration, k-space subsampling
factor, k-space coverage in the imaging environment, there is a critical need to find
the method giving the best results under certain imaging conditions. The tools developed
in this research help the selection of the optimal method for parallel imaging
depending on a particular imaging environment and scanning parameters. Simulations
on real MR phased-array data show that SENSE and GRAPPA provide better
image reconstructions when compared to the remaining techniques.
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Lootus, Meelis. "Automated radiological analysis of spinal MRI." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2015. https://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:5820edfd-fe18-4f3c-9db3-204db75c09c2.
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This thesis addresses the problem of analysing clinical MRI using modern computer vision methods for a variety of clinical and research-related tasks. We use automated machine learning algorithms to develop a spinal MRI analysis framework for a number of tasks such as vertebrae detection, labelling; disc and vertebrae segmentation, and radiological grading, and we validate the framework on a large, heterogeneous dataset of 300 symptomatic back pain patients from multiple clinical sites and scanners. Our framework has a number of back pain research and other spine-related clinical applications and could hopefully find application in a clinical workflow in the future. Our framework has five steps -- detection, labelling, segmentation, support regions and features, and machine learning for radiological measurements. The framework works in full 3D and has currently been implemented on sagittal T2 slices. We use Deformable Part Models along with a chain model to detect and label vertebrae, and a powerful graph cuts based method for vertebrae and disc segmentation. The labelled detections and segmentations are used to place support regions for feature extraction, which are mapped into a number of radiological measurements -- namely Pfirrmann grade, disc space narrowing, and herniation/bulge. The radiological ground truth was provided by a clinical radiologist with 25 years experience. We demonstrate a high performance in the measurement in each. The measurements are performed using support vector machines and support vector regressors learned on training data. We next investigate the problem of what is the best method of obtaining support regions. We first used pixel intensity features to predict the Pfirrmann grade, narrowing and bulge/herniation, with vertebrae segmentation to localise their support regions. Since segmentation of spine images, especially intervertebral discs is an unsolved problem and algorithms are prone to failure, we then ask the question, to segment or not to segment. To answer the question, we compare results on Pfirrmann grade prediction with three different points on the no segmentation to full disc segmentation involving no segmentation, vertebrae segmentation, or disc segmentation and find that vertebrae segmentation suffices. We finally show preliminary results in distinguishing between different radiological conditions related to the posterior side of the disc more finely than before in literature, taking information from both sagittal and axial slices to attempt to distinguish between herniated and bulged discs.
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Choi, Chang-Hoon. "Fast field-cycling magnetism transfer contrast magnetic resonance imaging (FFC MTC MRI)." Thesis, University of Aberdeen, 2010. http://digitool.abdn.ac.uk:80/webclient/DeliveryManager?pid=158558.
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Magnetisation Transfer Contrast (MTC) is a well-established magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast-generating mechanism, and is widely used for clarifying MR-invisible macromolecular information indirectly via MR-detectable free protons using an offresonance pre-saturation radiofrequency (RF) pulse (or MT pulse). As a result of MT pulse irradiation, magnetisation between both proton pools is exchanged and the signal intensity of mobile protons is decreased in relation to the amount of macromolecules. MTC MRI is normally implemented at a fixed magnetic field; however, it may be useful to evaluate changes of the MT effect as a function of magnetic field (B0). In order to explore fielddependent MTC experiments using a single MR instrument, two techniques are required, which enable simultaneously shifting both B0 and the resonance frequency of an RF coil (f0) during MT pulse irradiation and returning them to the original condition during MR data acquisition. Switching of B0 is achieved by fast field-cycling (FFC). FFC is a novel technique allowing B0 to shift between levels rapidly during the pulse sequence. This makes it possible to perform a number of beneficial field-dependent studies and/or to provide new MR contrast mechanisms. Switching of f0 requires an actively frequencyswitchable RF coil. This coil was designed and constructed for frequencies at and below 2.5 MHz proton Larmor frequency. The design employed PIN diodes, and enabled switching f0 between five different values. Using these techniques and tools, fielddependent MTC experiments were carried out with a control sample and samples with different concentrations of agarose gel. Due to the absence of macromolecules in the control, the MT effect was almost zero, whereas the MT effect observed in agarose samples increased with increasing concentration of macromolecules. Furthermore, MT effects ((for a given set of MT pulse conditions) were larger at higher B0.
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Houser, Tiffany. "Assessment of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Safety: Allied Health Professional Clinical Competence." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2019. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/3549.
Full textAbstract:
Magnetic resonance imaging is a major advancement in the diagnostic imaging field. Most patients can tolerate an MRI however, there are some who are unable to complete a lengthy scan while lying completely still without sedatives or anesthesia. Non-MRI healthcare providers are trained to use equipment that is “unsafe” in the MRI suite due to the strong magnetic field. Staff who are not fully knowledgeable and trained in MRI safety measures can endanger staff and patients.
The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge level of non-MRI healthcare providers regarding safety risks associated with MRI and to determine their level of satisfaction regarding the MRI safety training they received. This study concluded that non-MRI healthcare providers are knowledgeable about most of the safety hazards. They are satisfied with annual training but would like more in-depth material added to their current learning modules.
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Al-Ghamdi, Ahmad Hamoud. "Staging of lung cancer by magnetic resonance imaging." Thesis, University of Bristol, 1997. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.326783.
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Maclaren, Julian Roscoe. "Motion Detection and Correction in Magnetic Resonance Imaging." Thesis, University of Canterbury. Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10092/1220.
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive technique used to produce high-quality images of the interior of the human body. Compared to other imaging modalities, however, MRI requires a relatively long data acquisition time to form an image. Patients often have difficulty staying still during this period. This is problematic as motion produces artifacts in the image. This thesis explores the methods of imaging a moving object using MRI. Testing is performed using simulations, a moving phantom, and human subjects. Several strategies developed to avoid motion artifact problems are presented. Emphasis is placed on techniques that provide motion correction without penalty in terms of acquisition time. The most significant contribution presented is the development and assessment of the 'TRELLIS' pulse sequence and reconstruction algorithm. TRELLIS is a unique approach to motion correction in MRI. Orthogonal overlapping strips fill k-space and phase-encode and frequency-encode directions are alternated such that the frequency-encode direction always runs lengthwise along each strip. The overlap between pairs of orthogonal strips is used for signal averaging and to produce a system of equations that, when solved, quantifies the rotational and translational motion of the object. Acquired data is then corrected using this motion estimation. The advantage of TRELLIS over existing techniques is that k-space is sampled uniformly and all collected data is used for both motion detection and image reconstruction. This thesis presents a number of other contributions: a proposed means of motion correction using parallel imaging; an extension to the phase-correlation method for determining displacement between two objects; a metric to quantify the level of motion artifacts; a moving phantom; a physical version of the ubiquitous Shepp-Logan head phantom; a motion resistant data acquisition technique; and a means of correcting for T2 blurring artifacts.
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Wu, Bing. "Exploiting data sparsity in parallel magnetic resonance imaging." Thesis, University of Canterbury. Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10092/3914.
Full textAbstract:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a widely employed imaging modality that allows observation of the interior of human body. Compared to other imaging modalities such
as the computed tomography (CT), MRI features a relatively long scan time that gives rise to many potential issues. The advent of parallel MRI, which employs multiple receiver
coils, has started a new era in speeding up the scan of MRI by reducing the number of data acquisitions. However, the finally recovered images from under-sampled data sets often
suffer degraded image quality.
This thesis explores methods that incorporate prior knowledge of the image to be reconstructed to achieve improved image recovery in parallel MRI, following the philosophy that ‘if some prior knowledge of the image to be recovered is known, the image could be recovered better than without’. Specifically, the prior knowledge of image sparsity is utilized. Image sparsity exists in different domains. Image sparsity in the image domain refers to the fact that the imaged object only occupies a portion of the imaging field of view; image sparsity may also exist in a transform domain for which there is a high level of energy
concentration in the image transform. The use of both types of sparsity is considered in this thesis.
There are three major contributions in this thesis. The first contribution is the development of ‘GUISE’. GUISE employs an adaptive sampling design method that achieves better exploitation of image domain sparsity in parallel MRI. Secondly, the development of ‘PBCS’ and ‘SENSECS’. PBCS achieves better exploitation of transform domain sparsity by incorporating a prior estimate of the image to be recovered. SENSECS is an application of PBCS that achieves better exploitation of transform domain sparsity in parallel MRI. The third contribution is the
implementation of GUISE and PBCS in contrast enhanced MR angiography (CE MRA). In their applications in CE MRA, GUISE and PBCS share the common ground of exploiting the high sparsity of the contrast enhanced angiogram.
The above developments are assessed in various ways using both simulated and experimental data. The potential extensions of these methods are also suggested.
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Henderson, Cortney Erik. "Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Normal Equine Larynx." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/33833.
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A study was performed to establish the appearance of normal equine laryngeal cartilages using magnetic resonance imaging. Specimens were acquired from clinically normal horses that were euthanized for reasons other than respiratory disease. Three in situ and 5 ex vivo larynges were imaged using a 0.3 Tesla system. Images were obtained in the transverse plane using T1-weighted 3D spin echo, T2-weighted 3D spin echo, T2-weighted gradient echo, short tau inversion recovery (STIR), and proton density spin echo sequences. Five ex vivo larynges were also imaged in the transverse plane using a 1.5 Tesla system, sequences included T1-weighted 3D spin echo, T2-weighted 3D turbo-spin echo, turbo inversion recovery (TIRM), and proton density spin echo sequences. A frozen gross laryngeal specimen was sliced in 5-mm transverse sections for comparison to the MR images. Excellent correlation was found between MR images and the gross transverse sections. Successful imaging was accomplished using both imaging systems; however, the 1.5 Tesla system yielded superior image resolution. The 0.3 Tesla imaging system would accommodate the intact equine head, which was not possible using the 1.5 Tesla MRI system. The internal morphology of the laryngeal cartilages was clearly identified in all imaging sequences obtained. Cartilages were found to differ in signal intensity based on the tissue composition and imaging sequences performed. MRI was determined to be a useful imaging modality for evaluating the cartilage morphology of the equine larynx. Further investigation is required to document pathologic morphology.<br>Master of Science
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Mcpartlin, Andrew. "Use of magnetic resonance imaging in radical prostate radiotherapy." Thesis, University of Manchester, 2016. https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/use-of-magnetic-resonance-imaging-in-radical-prostate-radiotherapy(c0d2a250-9566-41a9-9979-cf2aa64b5f3f).html.
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Purpose: To assess (1) the potential benefit that MRI may bring to prostate radiotherapy planning and delivery; (2) a method of improving registration of MRI and CT imaging to aid the RT planning workflow; (3) the role of in-bore MRI guided biopsy in informing management; (4) dosimetric outcome and toxicity of an integrated High Dose Rate (HDR-B) or Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT-IB) boost to the area of dominant disease within the prostate; (5) whether a predictive response can be identified measuring changes in Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) and Dynamic Contrast Enhancement (DCE) during prostate RT after neo-adjuvant HT (NA-HT); (6) the necessity of hormone therapy (HT) with dose escalated radiotherapy (DE-RT) for intermediate risk prostate cancer. Methods: (1) Perform a systematic review of literature pertaining to MRI and image guided radiotherapy; (2) compare registration accuracy, based on displacement of fiducial markers or degree of overlap of segmented prostate measured by Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC), of MRI and CT for 14 patients after conventional operator driven visual matching and then an additional registration step using interstitial points identified on high quality volumetric CT (HQVCT); (3) assess the predictive power of in-bore MRI guided biopsy of areas with suspicious appearance on multi-parametric MRI by comparing biopsy accuracy to histological findings and repeat biopsy results for 42 PIRADS 4-5 lesions in 31 men; (4) analyse patients treated in a prospective study receiving standard radiotherapy to the prostate plus a HDR-B (20 patients) or VMAT-IB (26) to a total dose of 250 Gy BED to assess acute and late toxicity and dosimetric variation between the two methods; (5) prospectively recruit 15 patient who have received NA-HT and perform DWI and DCE before, during and after completion of radiotherapy to look for significant changes in values in normal and malignant tissue which may predict for ultimate outcome; (6) Assess clinical outcome for patients receiving 75.6 – 78 Gy +/- bicalutamide. Results: (1) The review has quantified uncertainties in treatment delivery and the degree that the addition of MRI may mitigate this; (2) point based registration of CT and MRI imaging after visual registration achieved a significant reduction in fiducial marker displacement and a significant increase in DSC; (3) seven lesions targeted by in-bore MR guided biopsy had non-significant or negative results, most with biopsy needle deflected to the target periphery with four confirmed false negative on repeat biopsy; (4) with a median follow up of 12 months acute and late toxicity was similar after either treatment with HDR-B delivering a significantly higher dose to a proportion of the gross tumour volume (GTV) but with significantly lower minimum dose to the planned target volume (PTV); (5) tumour DWI values during RT after NA-HT were not found to significantly alter, DCE was found to vary significantly during treatment and initial changes correlated with changes in DWI; (6) the addition of bicalutamide did not significantly improve biochemical control or overall survival. Conclusions: (1) Routine use of MRI will to improve radiotherapy planning and delivery; (2) repeat point based registration using interstitial points has the potential to improve visual CT and MRI registration; (3) an in-bore MRI guided biopsy has little value in informing a decision to offer focal therapy to an MRI identified PIRADS 4-5 lesion due to its high false negative rate; (4) with limited follow up HDR-B and VMAT-IB appear safe methods of focal dose escalation although with significant dosimetric variations;(5) early changes in DWI and DCE during RT after NA-HT appear to correlate, longer follow up will assess their prognostic value; (6) A benefit of HT combined with DE-RT was not shown in this study.
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Beyea, Steven Donald. "Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and relaxation time mapping of concrete." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 2001. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk3/ftp05/NQ65451.pdf.
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D'Arceuil, Helen E. "Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the human wrist and skin." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 1993. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.321107.
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Rathnayaka, Mudiyanselage Kanchana. "3D reconstruction of long bones utilising magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2011. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/49779/1/Kanchana_Rathnayaka_Mudiyanselage_Thesis.pdf.
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The design of pre-contoured fracture fixation implants (plates and nails) that correctly fit the anatomy of a patient utilises 3D models of long bones with accurate geometric representation. 3D data is usually available from computed tomography (CT) scans of human cadavers that generally represent the above 60 year old age group. Thus, despite the fact that half of the seriously injured population comes from the 30 year age group and below, virtually no data exists from these younger age groups to inform the design of implants that optimally fit patients from these groups. Hence, relevant bone data from these age groups is required. The current gold standard for acquiring such data–CT–involves ionising radiation and cannot be used to scan healthy human volunteers. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been shown to be a potential alternative in the previous studies conducted using small bones (tarsal bones) and parts of the long bones. However, in order to use MRI effectively for 3D reconstruction of human long bones, further validations using long bones and appropriate reference standards are required.
Accurate reconstruction of 3D models from CT or MRI data sets requires an accurate image segmentation method. Currently available sophisticated segmentation methods involve complex programming and mathematics that researchers are not trained to perform. Therefore, an accurate but relatively simple segmentation method is required for segmentation of CT and MRI data. Furthermore, some of the limitations of 1.5T MRI such as very long scanning times and poor contrast in articular regions can potentially be reduced by using higher field 3T MRI imaging. However, a quantification of the signal to noise ratio (SNR) gain at the bone - soft tissue interface should be performed; this is not reported in the literature. As MRI scanning of long bones has very long scanning times, the acquired images are more prone to motion artefacts due to random movements of the subject‟s limbs. One of the artefacts observed is the step artefact that is believed to occur from the random movements of the volunteer during a scan. This needs to be corrected before the models can be used for implant design.
As the first aim, this study investigated two segmentation methods: intensity thresholding and Canny edge detection as accurate but simple segmentation methods for segmentation of MRI and CT data. The second aim was to investigate the usability of MRI as a radiation free imaging alternative to CT for reconstruction of 3D models of long bones. The third aim was to use 3T MRI to improve the poor contrast in articular regions and long scanning times of current MRI. The fourth and final aim was to minimise the step artefact using 3D modelling techniques. The segmentation methods were investigated using CT scans of five ovine femora. The single level thresholding was performed using a visually selected threshold level to segment the complete femur. For multilevel thresholding, multiple threshold levels calculated from the threshold selection method were used for the proximal, diaphyseal and distal regions of the femur. Canny edge detection was used by delineating the outer and inner contour of 2D images and then combining them to generate the 3D model. Models generated from these methods were compared to the reference standard generated using the mechanical contact scans of the denuded bone. The second aim was achieved using CT and MRI scans of five ovine femora and segmenting them using the multilevel threshold method. A surface geometric comparison was conducted between CT based, MRI based and reference models. To quantitatively compare the 1.5T images to the 3T MRI images, the right lower limbs of five healthy volunteers were scanned using scanners from the same manufacturer. The images obtained using the identical protocols were compared by means of SNR and contrast to noise ratio (CNR) of muscle, bone marrow and bone. In order to correct the step artefact in the final 3D models, the step was simulated in five ovine femora scanned with a 3T MRI scanner. The step was corrected using the iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm based aligning method. The present study demonstrated that the multi-threshold approach in combination with the threshold selection method can generate 3D models from long bones with an average deviation of 0.18 mm. The same was 0.24 mm of the single threshold method. There was a significant statistical difference between the accuracy of models generated by the two methods. In comparison, the Canny edge detection method generated average deviation of 0.20 mm. MRI based models exhibited 0.23 mm average deviation in comparison to the 0.18 mm average deviation of CT based models. The differences were not statistically significant. 3T MRI improved the contrast in the bone–muscle interfaces of most anatomical regions of femora and tibiae, potentially improving the inaccuracies conferred by poor contrast of the articular regions. Using the robust ICP algorithm to align the 3D surfaces, the step artefact that occurred by the volunteer moving the leg was corrected, generating errors of 0.32 ± 0.02 mm when compared with the reference standard. The study concludes that magnetic resonance imaging, together with simple multilevel thresholding segmentation, is able to produce 3D models of long bones with accurate geometric representations. The method is, therefore, a potential alternative to the current gold standard CT imaging.
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Bäck, Sven Å J. "Implementation of MRI gel dosimetry in radiation therapy." Malmö : Lund : Malmö University Hospital ; Lund University, 1998. http://catalog.hathitrust.org/api/volumes/oclc/68945079.html.
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Jones, Alexa. "Radio frequency coils for ultra-high field MRI." Thesis, University of Nottingham, 2008. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.490979.
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The push toward higher magnetic fields in MRI has consistently thrown up new challenges in hardware development. The recent development of a new generation of ultra-high field scanners for human imaging is no exception. The earch presented in this thesis aims to provide solutions to new technical challenges in radio-frequency probe design. All probe designs were developed for use at 7T on a Philips Acheiva full body scanner.
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Semple, Scott I. K. "Clinical cardiac functional MRI." Thesis, University of Aberdeen, 2000. http://digitool.abdn.ac.uk/R?func=search-advanced-go&find_code1=WSN&request1=AAIU602018.
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The purpose of this project was to assess techniques which could be implemented in clinical cardiac MRI using a moderate gradient performance imaging system in order to aid in the assessment of myocardial function. Possible improvements in image contrast were assessed using four different magnetisation preparation schemes applied prior to MR image acquisition in order to aid in the delineation of myocardial borders, and therefore improve cardiac image assessment quality. The usefulness of several novel T2*-weighted acquisition techniques were assessed in clinical cardiac applications in order to indirectly assess myocardial perfusion. Four magnetisation preparation schemes were applied in order to attempt to improve image contrast in short axis gradient-echo cardiac MRI; T2, T1, Magnetisation Transfer Contrast (MTC), and Double Inversion (DI). The T2, and preparation schemes proved to be the most effective, showing an initial improvement in image contrast by approximately 100% and proving effective in improving image contrast over the entire imaging duration {550 ms through the cardiac cycle). The MTC preparation scheme showed a 50% improvement in image contrast, again being effective over the entire imaging duration. The DI preparation scheme proved useful in creating a black blood gradient-echo image but showed no improvement in contrast throughout the imaging duration (since the DI preparation technique is essentially a 'snapshot' technique). Recent developments in cardiac MRI have moved towards assessment of myocardial perfusion, using first-pass contrast-enhancement imaging. This approach requires assessment of a large enough volume of the heart to allow assessment of perfusion as well as retaining a high temporal resolution of 7 or 2 seconds, and therefore a more modem high performance imaging system. For moderate performance gradient MR systems an alternative method of assessing myocardial perfusion is therefore required. Several novel techniques to assess myocardial T2* values in order to indirectly infer myocardial perfusion are introduced. The use of an original multi-echo gradient-echo imaging sequence to acquire T2* pixel-maps was investigated in phantoms and compared with commercially available sequences in order to validate its use.
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Friman, Ola. "Adaptive analysis of functional MRI data /." Linköping : Univ, 2003. http://www.bibl.liu.se/liupubl/disp/disp2003/tek836s.pdf.
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McGraw, Tim E. "Neuronal fiber tracking in DT-MRI." [Gainesville, Fla.] : University of Florida, 2002. http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/UFE0000573.
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Chan, Chuen-wing, and 陳泉榮. "In vivo MRI study of the visual system in normal, developing and injured brains." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2010. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B44904769.
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The Best PhD Thesis in the Faculties of Dentistry, Engineering, Medicine and Science (University of Hong Kong), Li Ka Shing Prize,2009-2010<br>published_or_final_version<br>Electrical and Electronic Engineering<br>Doctoral<br>Doctor of Philosophy
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Rahal, Andrés. "Improved specificity of MRI diagnosis of collagenous lesions in tendon : a dissertation /." San Antonio : UTHSC, 2007. http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=1397911041&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=70986&RQT=309&VName=PQD.
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Herreros, Quentin. "Very low field magnetic resonance imaging." Phd thesis, Université René Descartes - Paris V, 2013. http://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01064053.
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The aim of this thesis is to perform Magnetic Resonance Imaging at very low field (from 1 mT to 10 mT). A new kind of sensor called "mixed sensor" has been used to achieve a good detectivity at low frequencies. Combining a superconducting loop and a giant magnetoresistance, those detectors have a competitive equivalent field noise compared to existing devices (Tuned coils, SQUIDs and Atomic Magnetometers). They have been combined with flux transformers to increase the coupling between the sample and the sensor. A complete study has been performed to adapt it to mixed sensors and then maximize the gain. This set has been incorporated in an existing small MRI device to test its robustness in real conditions. In parallel, several MRI sequences (GE, SE, FLASH, EPI, ...) have been integrated and adapted to very low field requirements. They have been used to perform in-vivo three dimensional imaging and relaxometry studies on well known products to test their reliability. Finally, a larger setup adapted for full-head imaging has been designed and built to perform images on a larger working volume.
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Payne, Nicholas Roy. "Quadrupolar relaxation-based methods in fast field-cycling MRI." Thesis, University of Aberdeen, 2019. http://digitool.abdn.ac.uk:80/webclient/DeliveryManager?pid=240235.
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Quadrupolar relaxation-based methods in Fast Field-Cycling MRI Nicholas R. Payne Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre, University of Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK Fast Field-Cycling MRI (FFC-MRI) can access contrast based on the dependence of a sample's relaxation rate to the applied magnetic field strength. This technique can provide signal based on interactions with local quadrupolar nuclei through cross-relaxation, however, there are other so-called Nuclear Quadrupole Double Resonance (NQDR) techniques described in the literature. This work has been centred on efforts to apply these techniques to FFC-MRI and otherwise explore how interactions between protons and quadrupolar nuclei can be further exploited. Through this work two irradiation systems were designed and built for manual tuning, in the first instance, and automatic tuning. The latter was able to quickly retune to coil, however, it was limited in RF power handling capability. A second strand of work was concerned with the reduction in receiver deadtime required to detect signal from solid-state samples such as those previously used in NQDR experiments in the literature. However, circuitry designed to dampen coil ringing by temporarily reducing the resonator's Q-factor following a pulse, along with a novel method utilising field-cycling were not able to reduce the deadtime enough to detect signal from relevant samples. This, coupled with a lack of evidence of NQDR effects in gel-like samples, proved the ultimate stumbling block for NQDR in FFC-MRI. Success was seen in a third strand of work in which simulations were used to design custom experiments which could be used to provide large increases to the signal-to-noise ratio in some experiments. The simulated environment also allowed for fast testing and development of new post-process algorithms which could more accurately calculate relaxation rates. The work concluded that NQDR is unlikely to be useful in FFC-MRI due to the constraints on both the sample and the technique. However the information from quadrupolar nuclei can be improved with better post-processing and tailored pulse sequence parameters.
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Bernsdorf, Stefan. "Numerical and experimental modeling of atherosclerosis related to MRI." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 1998. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/16120.
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Bibliography: [appendix A-1 to A-2].<br>This thesis was motivated by the idea of employing non-invasive investigations of atherosclerosis using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). MRI has the advantage of being able to detect atheroma in blood vessels with no risk to the patient but is still limited in its application to large blood vessels by the low geometrical resolution obtainable. The capability of MRI to measure velocities as well leads to the idea of correlating atheroma dimensions with measured velocities downstream of the blockage. This thesis makes a first step towards obtaining results that can be applied in investigations of atherosclerosis employing MRI. The fluid dynamics of arterial blood flow, the medical procedure of diagnosing and treating atherosclerotic diseases, and the physical principle of MRI are investigated to find out "if' and "how" the correlation between a blockage and the resulting downstream velocities can contribute to the diagnosis of atheroma. Parallel to this background research, experimental and numerical modeling of atheroma is carried out. These two approaches use identical geometrical and fluid parameters to enable a direct validation of the results. An experimental test-rig is designed. Experiments with different types of blockages are performed. The measured flow parameters are pressure and velocity profiles in a crosssection of the modeled artery. A commercial software package is employed for the numerical simulation of blockages with similar geometries to those used in the experiments. The pressure and absolute velocities are again the derived parameters. Both approaches are validated with analytical results obtainable for flow without any blockages. Blockages are then inserted and the results are compared and analyzed for their potential to contribute to the medical application. The results obtained with the two models give good correspondence. The transitional length of the laminar pipe flow corresponds very well to the expectations. A laminar velocity profile is completely built up before the fluid enters a blockage. Blockages with a small flow area cause a high peak velocity and a large wake. Blockages that slightly reduce the flow area have only a small influence on the flow. The length of a blockage has only a secondary influence on the downstream velocity distribution, while the influence of the surface roughness of the blockage is small. The peak velocities and pressure loss caused by the different blockages give good correlation. The prediction of the diameter of the blockage from peak velocities measured with MRI is an improvement on that which is possible from the theory only. In particular, the results obtained in this thesis show that the true maximum velocities are significantly lower than those obtained with theoretical predictions. The change in the velocity profiles, due to angioplasty, is shown in a simplified form with the models. Typical values of reduced areas before and after such surgery, where the atheroma is squeezed against the arterial walls, are analysed. The influence of the post-surgery blockage on the flow is very small, while the pre-surgery blockage shows a dominant influence. A prominent wake exists downstream of a highly reduced flow area, and high velocities occur. A wake is a potential risk area for atherosclerosis, as low shear rates and high turbulence intensities are possible. The blockage with the less reduced area has almost no influence on the flow, and a wake is hardly formed. The influence of different shapes of atheroma, while having a similar reduced area, is also demonstrated. The perfectly symmetrical blockage has less negative influence on the flow than one which is highly asymmetrical. The asymmetrical blockage causes a larger wake and higher maximum velocities.
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McDannold, Nathan J. "MRI monitoring of high temperature ultrasound therapy /." Thesis, Connect to Dissertations & Theses @ Tufts University, 2002.
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Thesis (Ph.D.)--Tufts University, 2002.<br>Adviser: David Weaver. Submitted to the Dept. of Physics. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 218-243). Access restricted to members of the Tufts University community. Also available via the World Wide Web;
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Puiseux, Thomas. "Numerical simulations for phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging." Thesis, Montpellier, 2019. http://www.theses.fr/2019MONTS109.
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L'hémodynamique (la manière dont le sang coule) est aujourd'hui considérée par la communauté médicale comme un marqueur prépondérant dans l'apparition et dans l'évolution de certaines pathologies cardiovasculaires (formation d’un caillot sanguin, anévrisme, sténose...). Les récents progrès technologiques ont permis d'adapter l'Imagerie par Résonance Magnétique (IRM) à l'exploration vélocimétrique 3D du système cardiovasculaire grâce à l'IRM de flux 4D. En plus d'être non invasive et non ionisante, cette technique ouvre l'accès à l'évaluation de quantités dérivées du champ de vitesse telles que la pression ou le frottement pariétal, pertinentes lors des diagnostics médicaux, mais difficilement accessibles par imagerie. Néanmoins, les contraintes technologiques (temps d'acquisition, résolution spatiale, dépendance aux vitesses d'encodages) limitent la précision des mesures. De plus, les complexités intrinsèques au processus d’acquisition en IRM rendent difficilement identifiables les sources d'erreurs de mesures.Cette thèse à pour but de développer une méthodologie standardisée permettant l'évaluation systématique des mesures par IRM de flux 4D dans un régime d'écoulement complexe. Dans ce but, un fantôme IRM compatible capable de générer un écoulement typique de ceux observés dans la circulation thoracique (crosse aortique, bifurcation, anévrisme) est conçu et intégré à un banc d'essai expérimental. L'écoulement est prédit par simulation numérique (Mécanique des fluides Numérique) et simultanément mesuré par IRM de flux 4D.Grâce à une évaluation rigoureuse des différences entre ces deux modalités, on montre d’abord que la simulation numérique peut être considérée comme une représentation fidèle du champ de vitesse réel.Une évaluation rigoureuse des différences entre ces deux modalités permet de considérer la simulation numérique comme l’écoulement de référence représentant le champ de vitesse réel. L'analyse met aussi en lumière d'une part des erreurs typiques de mesures du champ de vitesse par IRM de flux 4D, ainsi que des erreurs relatives au calcul de quantités dérivées (pression et le frottement pariétal).Enfin, une méthodologie de simulation du processus d'acquisition en IRM est développée. Couplée avec la MFN, celle-ci permet de reconstruire des images IRM synthétiques correspondant à l'écoulement de référence mesuré par un protocole d'acquisition donné, mais exemptes de toutes erreurs expérimentales. La capacité à produire des images in silico permet notamment d’identifier les sources d’erreurs (matériel, logiciel, séquence) en IRM de flux 4D<br>Hemodynamics (blood flow dynamics) is now recognized as a key marker in the onset and evolution of many cardiovascular disorders such as aneurysms, stenoses, or blood clot formation. As it provides a comprehensive access to blood flows in-vivo, time-resolved 3D phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (or 4D Flow MRI) has gained an increasing interest over the last years and stands out as a highly relevant tool for diagnosis, patient follow-up and research in cardiovascular diseases. On top of providing a non-invasive access to the 3D velocity field in-vivo, this technique allows retrospective quantification of velocity-derived hemodynamic biomarkers such as relative pressure or shear stress, which are pertinent for medical diagnosis but difficult to measure in practice. However, several acquisition parameters (spatio-temporal resolution, encoding velocity, imaging artifacts) might limit the expected accuracy of the measurements and potentially lead to erroneous diagnosis. Moreover, the intrinsic complexities of the MRI acquisition process make it generally difficult to localize the sources of measurement errors.This thesis aims at developing a methodology for the assessment of 4D Flow MRI measurements in complex flow configuration. A well-controlled experiment gathering an idealized in-vitro flow phantom generating flow structures typical of that observed in the cardiovascular system is designed. The flow is simultaneously predicted by means of a high-order Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) solver and measured with 4D flow MRI. By evaluating the differences between the two modalities, it is first shown that the numerical solution can be considered very close to the ground truth velocity field. The analysis also reveals the typical errors present in 4D flow MRI images, whether relevant to the velocity field itself or to classical derived quantities (relative pressure, wall shear stress). Finally, a 4D Flow MRI simulation framework is developed and coupled with CFD to reconstruct the synthetic MR images of the reference flow that correspond to the acquisition protocol, but exempted from experimental measurement errors. Thanks to this new capability, the sources of the potential errors in 4D Flow MRI (hardware, software, sequence) can be identified
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Cavin, I. D. "Investigating the biological effects of MRI magnetic fields." Thesis, University of Nottingham, 2007. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.490976.
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This thesis addresses the much needed quantitative assessment of the physiological effects the magnetic fields used in MRI. MRI has a well-earned reputation for being a safe, non-ionising alternative imaging modality for both the patient and MR practioner alike. Although the operating environment can prove hazardous for inexperienced and untrained personnel, appropriate training and adoption of safe working practices can prevent adverse incidents.
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Parikh, Jehill. "Measurement of brain temperature using magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging." Thesis, University of Edinburgh, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/1842/8082.
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The study of brain temperature is important for a number of clinical conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, schizophrenia and birth asphyxia (for neonates). A direct method to estimate brain temperature non-invasively will allow assessment of brain thermoregulation and its variation in clinical conditions. Magnetic resonance imaging is a powerful technique widely used for diagnosis of a range of neurological conditions. All magnetic resonance procedures involve manipulation of the hydrogen nuclei in the water molecules of the human body. The resonance frequency of the water molecules is temperature dependent, thus MR thermometry is a powerful tool for non-invasive temperature measurement. Using internal reference MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI), absolute brain temperature maps can be estimated. However a number of temperature independent factors influence MRSI data acquisition, thus a thorough validation is necessary and is the focus of this PhD study. In this PhD study using phantom (test object) studies it was shown that optimization of the MRSI pulse sequence is necessary to reduce systematic error in temperature maps and extensive in-vitro validation of MRSI temperature mapping was performed. A custom made temperature-controlled phantom was designed for this purpose and is presented in this thesis. MRSI data acquired from healthy (young and elderly) volunteers was employed to assess regional brain temperature variations and repeatability. Finally, the feasibility of employing fast echo planar spectroscopic imaging for volumetric MRSI temperature mapping will be presented in this thesis.
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Diaz, De Grenu Ballestero Lara Zurine. "Optimisation of MRI data for dementia studies." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 2014. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.648904.
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