Computer Apparatus For Analyzing Multiparametric MRI Maps For Pathologies and Generating Prescriptions
Image processing and analysis technique includes using a computer apparatus to assess a patient's magnetic resonance images or derived multiparametric maps for pathology and then automatically generate a prescription based at least in part on that assessment. The parametric maps are derived from an MRI sequence from which multiparametric maps are derivable.
1 . A computer apparatus to analyze a patient's multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) maps for pathology and generate a prescription comprising:
(a) a non-transitory memory storing one or more parametric maps of a patient; the one or more maps derived from an MRI sequence from which multiparametric maps are derivable;
(b) a program stored in the non-transitory memory and operatively configured to analyze the one or more parametric maps for a region including a pathology; and
(c) a computer processor in communication with the non-transitory memory and configured to perform the program by executing computer executable instructions, wherein the program is operatively configured to automatically generate a prescription based at least in part on the analysis of the one or more parametric maps.
2 . The computer apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the one or more parametric maps is derived at least in part from a water-fat separation sequence.
3 . The computer apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the one or more parametric maps are derived from a water-fat separation sequence that uses the iterative decomposition of water and fat with echo asymmetry and least-squares estimation (“IDEAL”) technique and/or the Dixon technique.
4 . The computer apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the one or more parametric maps is derived at least in part from an MRI sequence that uses the gradient and spin echo (“GRASE”) technique.
5 . The computer apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the one or more parametric maps is derived from diffusion-weighted sequencing.
6 . The computer apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the analysis includes a search for at least one pathology selected from the list consisting of:
a) fractures,
b) osteoporosis,
c) metastatic disease,
d) degenerative disease,
e) infarcts, and
f) combinations thereof.
7 . The computer apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the one or more parametric maps include a map selected from the list consisting of:
a) a T2 map describing transverse signal relaxation time affecting image contrast;
b) a T2* map describing signal relaxation caused by magnetic field abnormalities;
c) a T2† map describing cancellous bone-induced intravoxel dephasing;
d) a fat map; and
e) a water map.
8 . The computer apparatus of claim 1 , wherein color-encoding is utilized to encode information from at least two of the MRI maps at once.
9 . The computer apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the prescription directs further imaging.
10 . The computer apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the prescription directs therapy.
11 . The computer apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the prescription directs a notification.
12 . The computer apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the parametric map is derived at least in part from MRI signal changes reflecting administration of a contrast agent to the patient.
13 . A computer system configured to analyze a patient's magnetic resonance images for pathology and generate a prescription, the computer system comprising:
one or more processors; and
one or more hardware storage devices having stored thereon computer-executable instructions which are executable by the one or more processors to cause the computer system to at least:
(a) receive magnetic resonance images of a patient;
(b) derive one or more MRI parametric maps from the magnetic resonance images;
(c) analyze one or more derived parametric maps for a region including a pathology; and
(d) automatically generate a prescription based at least in part on the analysis of the one or more derived parametric maps.
14 . The computer system of claim 13 , wherein at least a portion of the magnetic resonance images received are contrast enhanced images associated with the administration of a contrast agent and the parametric map is derived at least in part based on MRI signal changes reflecting administration of the contrast agent.
15 . The computer system of claim 13 , wherein the one or more parametric maps is derived at least in part from a water-fat separation sequence that uses the IDEAL technique or the Dixon technique.
16 . The computer system of claim 13 , wherein the one or more parametric maps is derived at least in part from an MRI sequence that uses the gradient and spin echo (“GRASE”) technique.
17 . The computer system of claim 13 , wherein the one or more parametric maps is derived from diffusion-weighted sequencing.
18 . The computer system of claim 13 , wherein the analysis includes a search for at least one pathology selected from the list consisting of:
a) fractures,
b) osteoporosis,
c) metastatic disease,
d) degenerative disease,
e) infarcts, and
f) combinations thereof.
19 . The computer system of claim 13 , wherein the one or more parametric maps include a map selected from the list consisting of:
a) a T2 map including transverse signal relaxation time affecting image contrast;
b) a T2* map including signal relaxation caused by magnetic field abnormalities;
c) a T2† map including cancellous bone-induced intravoxel dephasing;
d) a fat map; and
e) a water map.
20 . The computer system of claim 13 , wherein color-encoding is utilized to encode information from at least two of the MRI maps at once.
21 . The computer system of claim 13 , wherein the prescription directs further imaging.
22 . The computer system of claim 13 , wherein the prescription directs therapy.
23 . The computer system of claim 13 , wherein the prescription directs a notification.
24 . The computer system of claim 13 , wherein the prescription is generated while patient is still on the MRI scan table.
25 . The computer system of claim 13 , wherein the computer-executable instructions are derived at least in part utilizing machine learning.