C11462: Novel Method of Performing Localized Magnetic Resonance SpectroscopyNovelty:
This is a reduced-to practice method for optimizing both scan time and signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio in Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy metabolic studies.
Value Proposition:
Scan time and SNR are major problems for magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of low-concentration metabolites. Model-based MRS reconstruction methods, which can reduce scan time, have not been realized in humans. Matching voxels to anatomical features prior to acquisition yields intrinsically higher signal to noise ratio (SNR) than summing chemical-shift-imaging (CSI) voxels post-acquisition. Localized spectroscopy using linear algebraic modeling (SLAM) yields spectra approximating the average of pre-selected compartments, with dramatic SNR and speed gains vs. standard CSI. Advantages include:
• 400% faster scan than CSI while maintaining quality
.
• SNR gains of 30%-200% over CSI with same scan time
.
• First ever implementation of optimized gradient sets that are fractional
.
• Inter-compartmental bleeding controllable by selecting different phase-encode gradients
Technical Details:
Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a method of performing spatially localized magnetic resonance with enhanced scan-time and/or signal-to-noise ratio. After an initial scout MRI scan, the image is segmented into compartments of interest which will generate MRS signals, used to inform the voxel size. Then a number of phase-encoding steps (equivalent to averaging) greater or equal to the number of compartments are chosen to maximize the desired properties of the reconstruction, such as SNR or the level of compartmental leakage. Typically these phase-encoding steps are close to the center of the CSI k-space with high SNR. SLAM then solves a subset of simultaneous linear equations from standard CSI to reconstruct the spectra. This eliminates unneeded phase-encoding steps to achieve comparable quality in much less time.
Looking for Partners:
To develop and commercialize the technology for performing clinical or research localized magnetic resonance spectroscopic (MRS) studies on MRI and or NMR equipment. The technology will enable incorporation of a sped-up diagnostic MRS exam, as a part of a clinical brain MRI study, for example.
Stage of Development:
Prototype
Data Availability:
Method reduced to humans in a clinical setting
Publications/Associated Cases:
J Magn Reson. 2012 May;218:66-76.
