Correction of spatial distortion in EPI due to inhomogeneous static magnetic fields using the reversed gradient method

PURPOSE: To derive and implement a method for correcting spatial distortion caused by in vivo inhomogeneous static magnetic fields in echo-planar imaging (EPI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The reversed gradient method, which was initially devised to correct distortion in images generated by spin-warp MRI, was adapted to correct distortion in EP images. This method provides point-by-point correction of distortion throughout the image. EP images, acquired with a 3 T MRI system, of a phantom and a volunteer's head were used to test the correction method. RESULTS: Good correction was observed in all cases. Spatial distortion in the uncorrected images ranged up to 4 pixels (12 mm) and was corrected successfully. CONCLUSION: The correction was improved by the application of a nonlinear interpolation scheme. The correction requires that two EP images be acquired at each slice position. This increases the acquisition time, but an improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is seen in the corrected image. The local SNR gain decreases with increasing distortion. In many EPI acquisition schemes, multiple images are averaged at each slice position to increase the SNR; in such cases the reversed gradient correction method can be applied with no increase in acquisition duration.     

The effects of geometric distortion correction on motion realignment in fMRI

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Subject motion is well recognized as a significant impediment to resolution and sensitivity in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). A parallel confounder to fMRI data quality is geometric image distortion, particularly at high field strengths, due to susceptibility-induced magnetic field inhomogeneity. Consequently, many high-field echo-planar imaging methods incorporate a post-processing distortion correction by acquiring a field map of the sample prior to the fMRI measurement. However, field mapping methods impose a spatial mask on the data, since field information is only obtainable from regions with adequate signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). This masking, when applied to subsequent images in the fMRI time series, can clip the effects of motion, resulting in inaccurate estimation and correction of motion-based changes in the images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of geometric distortion correction on automated realignment (motion correction) of fMRI data are investigated from data acquired at 4 T. The results of image realignment with and without prior application of distortion correction are compared, using the estimated motion parameters and overall image realignment as metrics. RESULTS: The application of field-map-based distortion correction prior to image realignment reduces the amount of motion detected by a standard motion correction algorithm. Moreover, motion correction applied before distortion correction is shown to result in superior realignment of motion-correction images. CONCLUSION: It is preferable to perform motion realignment prior to correcting for geometric distortion.     

Detection of intracranial aneurysms: multi-detector row CT angiography compared with DSA

PURPOSE: To prospectively compare the effectiveness of multi-detector row computed tomographic (CT) angiography with that of conventional intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) used to detect intracranial aneurysms in patients with nontraumatic acute subarachnoid hemorrhage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five consecutive adult patients with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage were recruited into the institutional review board-approved study and gave informed consent. All patients underwent both multi-detector row CT angiography and DSA no more than 12 hours apart. CT angiography was performed with a multi-detector row scanner (four detector rows) by using collimation of 1.25 mm and pitch of 3. Images were interpreted at computer workstations in a blinded fashion. Two radiologists independently reviewed the CT images, and two other radiologists independently reviewed the DSA images. The presence and location of aneurysms were rated on a five-point scale for certainty. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated independently for image interpretation performed by the two CT image readers and the second DSA image reader by using the first DSA reader's interpretation as the reference standard. RESULTS: A total of 26 aneurysms were detected at DSA in 21 patients, and no aneurysms were detected in 14 patients. Sensitivity and specificity for CT angiography were, respectively, 90% and 93% for reader 1 and 81% and 93% for reader 2. The mean diameter of aneurysms detected on CT angiographic images was 4.4 mm, and the smallest aneurysm detected was 2.2 mm in diameter. Aneurysms that were missed at initial interpretation of CT angiographic images were identified at retrospective reading. CONCLUSION: Multi-detector row CT angiography has high sensitivity and specificity for detection of intracranial aneurysms, including small aneurysms, in patients with nontraumatic acute subarachnoid hemorrhage.     

Comprehensive approach for correction of motion and distortion in diffusion-weighted MRI.

Patient motion and image distortion induced by eddy currents cause artifacts in maps of diffusion parameters computed from diffusion-weighted (DW) images. A novel and comprehensive approach to correct for spatial misalignment of DW imaging (DWI) volumes acquired with different strengths and orientations of the diffusion sensitizing gradients is presented. This approach uses a mutual information-based registration technique and a spatial transformation model containing parameters that correct for eddy current-induced image distortion and rigid body motion in three dimensions. All parameters are optimized simultaneously for an accurate and fast solution to the registration problem. The images can also be registered to a normalized template with a single interpolation step without additional computational cost. Following registration, the signal amplitude of each DWI volume is corrected to account for size variations of the object produced by the distortion correction, and the b-matrices are properly recalculated to account for any rotation applied during registration. Both qualitative and quantitative results show that this approach produces a significant improvement of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data acquired in the human brain.     

Accurate geometric calibration in stepping-table digital subtraction angiography

Accurate measurements of vessel dimensions are desirable in many clinical applications. This work uses the known relative motion between X-ray source and the patient in stepping-table digital subtraction angiography (DSA) to provide an accurate geometric calibration for quantitative measurements. The method results in a calibration factor that converts the size of the object measured in pixels on the image to its size in millimetres. The main sources of error relate to: (i) the assessment of relative displacement of a structure in a series of images; (ii) patient motion throughout data acquisition; and (iii) image distortion. Error was evaluated both with a test object consisting of a large grid of ball bearings (2x2 cm spaced) and, in vivo, in five renal DSA examinations performed with identical catheters of known diameter. The calibration factor was calculated with 0.1% accuracy for the test object and at least 2% accuracy in vivo, even with breath holding and pulsatile motion. This demonstrates that the calculation of the calibration factor can be very accurate, and that the method we propose is capable of the submillimetre accuracy required for clinical studies if used in conjunction with an accurate measurement of the vessel size in pixels. In conclusion, accurate geometric measurements can be performed in stepping-table DSA, without the need for external reference objects.     

人体切片数据集颜色的自动校正方法

目的 校正拍摄数字人切片过程中存在的种种干扰,使各层照片颜色参数趋于一致。方法 提出了一种基于CMYK色卡,对照片在RGB空间进行自动颜色校正的算法。该算法根据色卡中色块分布特点自动提取出每张照片中的色卡灰度部分,对此细分得到15个灰度值,并由此计算出和真实颜色之间的变换函数,根据该函数确定出颜色校正的查找表,在RGB颜色空间通过查表可对亮度和色彩进行校正。结果 利用Matlab 6．5编程实现了该算法,在微机上完成了数字人女婴一号原始数据的颜色校正．每张照片的处理时间为13．475s。结论 应用该算法能对人体切片数据集进行自动快速地颜色校正,校正后数据集层间颜色的一致性得到提高。     

Hepatic blood supply: comparison of optimized dual phase contrast-enhanced three-dimensional MR angiography and digital subtraction angiography

PURPOSE: To optimize and determine the value of dual-phase contrast material-enhanced three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance (MR) angiography for preoperative evaluation of the blood supply to the liver. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dual phase 3D MR angiography of the hepatic arteries and portal vein was performed in 140 patients. In 80 patients, the value of fat saturation, digital image subtraction, an anticholinergic agent, and a high-caloric meal were evaluated. In the next 60 patients, MR angiographic and digital subtraction angiographic (DSA) image quality and diagnostic value were compared. RESULTS: Fat-saturated images were of significantly better quality (P < .01) than non-fat-saturated images. Digital image subtraction was useful in only 23 of 40 patients. The injection of an anticholinergic agent was superfluous, whereas administration of a high-caloric meal helped in demonstration of the superior mesenteric artery and portal vein. Classification on MR angiograms of the arterial blood supply was correct in 57 of 60 patients. All arterial and portal venous lesions were seen on MR angiograms, and MR angiograms had a significantly higher subjective image-quality ranking than did DSA images in the evaluation of the portal vein (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Fat saturation and use of a high-caloric meal improve the results of MR angiography of hepatic vessels. MR angiography was comparable to DSA for evaluation of the arterial system and was superior for demonstration of the portal vein; therefore, MR angiography could replace intraarterial DSA.     

A frameless method for 3D MRI- and CT guided stereotaxic localisation

MR and CT are well recognized as the best imaging procedures for localisation in stereotaxic neurosurgery. However special difficulties necessitate specific adaptation to: localise targets in the steriotaxic frame. A method using MR and CT images is presented: no special frame must be. used during imaging examinations, but only the four intracranian holders of the neurosurgical stereotaxic frame. The images data are transferred to: a PC-based system for 3D localisation of brain targets. By locating the four markers on the images, the transformation matrices can be computed to: obtain the coordinates of a lesion in the stereotaxic space. The system calculates the arc setting parameters of a probe trajectory to: the target, either for an orthogonal or a double oblique approach if needed. Simulated probe trajectory intersections with the consecutive slices can be viewed in order to: validate the trajectory before the surgical procedure. The systematic geometrical errors have been carefully evaluated. Original procedures and corrective algorithms have been implemented as well as checks to: detect geometrical distortion or movements made by the patient. In this way, millimeter accuracy is achieved in the three dimensions.     

Quantification and reduction of attenuation related artifacts in SPET by applying attenuation model during iterative image reconstruction: a Monte Carlo study

Photon attenuation is one of the main causes of the quantitative errors and artifacts in SPET. A transmission or CT based attenuation map is necessary to correct for the effects of attenuation accurately. In this research, some important attenuation related artifacts are described. A fast and memory efficient iterative algorithm is proposed for attenuation correction. Ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM) algorithm with attenuation model was applied for image reconstruction. Monte Carlo simulation was used to create the projections in this study. Different voxel based phantoms with uniform and non-uniform activity distributions and attenuation maps were employed to evaluate the accuracy of this algorithm. The NCAT digital phantom was also used to investigate the attenuation effects on myocardial perfusion SPET in men and women. Projections free from the effect of attenuation were also simulated. The reconstructed image from these attenuation-free projections was considered as reference image. Our attenuation correction algorithm was evaluated by its ability to recover activity and to remove attenuation related artifacts. The mean-square-error (MSE) between reference and corrected image and image contrast were calculated for quantitative evaluation of this algorithm. A variety of attenuation related artifacts were observed. Moreover anterior wall of myocardial perfusion images of female phantom and inferior wall in male phantom were affected by attenuation. All of the attenuation related artifacts were removed after attenuation correction. Quantitatively, the MSE values between reference images and corrected images were reduced by about 900% for all phantoms. In conclusion, by applying our new method for incorporating attenuation model during OSEM, we were able to eliminate a variety of artifacts and errors, which is a necessary step for quantitative SPET.     

Correction of concomitant magnetic field-induced image artifacts in nonaxial echo-planar imaging.

Echo-planar images acquired in nonaxial planes are often distorted. Such image distortion has limited the applications of the echo-planar imaging (EPI) technique. In this article, it is demonstrated that a considerable amount of the distortion is caused by the higher-order magnetic field concomitant with the linear magnetic field gradient, or the concomitant magnetic field. The image distortion caused by the concomitant magnetic field is more prominent when a higher gradient amplitude is used for readout. It is also shown that the concomitant magnetic field can cause ghosting and blurring. A theoretical analysis is performed for the concomitant field effect in nonaxial EPI images. A point-by-point (or line-by-line) phase correction algorithm is developed to correct the image distortion, ghosting, and blurring. A postreconstruction processing algorithm is also developed to correct image distortion with much higher computational efficiency. Experimental results show that both correction methods effectively reduce the image distortion in coronal or sagittal images.     

Quality analysis of DSA equipment

Summary In the framework of a quality analysis project for the improvement of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) equipment, an inventory was made of the image quality and radiation dose of DSA equipments in six hospitals in the Netherlands. The image quality was investigated with a contrast detail (CD) phantom. The entrance dose of the radiation on this phantom and the skin dose at the level of the eye lenses and the thyroid gland were measured in these hospitals using a human phantom during a standardised simulated DSA examination of the aortic arch and brachiocephalic arteries, by means of thermo-luminescence dosimeters (TLD). To establish the relation of these measurements on the human phantom and real patient examinations, the same measurements were carried out in our own hospital on 16 patients during a comparable DSA examination. To find the difference from the dose in conventional angiography (CA) the same measurements were carried out in our hospital on 11 patients during a comparable examination. These dose measurements were also carried out on the human phantom with the use of the same CA equipment. We vound large differences in image quality in the various hospitals. Within one hospital, monitor images were better than hard copy images. These differences were strongly related to the amount of radiation used, to the technique of storing the images (digital or analogue) and to the quality of the equipment used to make hard copies (the imager). Recommendations are made for improvement and quality control.     

Geometric distortion correction of high-resolution 3 T diffusion tensor brain images.

Diffusion-weighted images based on echo planar sequences suffer from distortions due to field inhomogeneities from susceptibility differences as well as from eddy currents arising from diffusion gradients. In this paper, a novel approach using nonlinear warping based on optic flow to correct distortions of baseline and diffusion weighted echo planar images (EPI) acquired at 3 T is presented. The distortion correction was estimated by warping the echo planar images to the anatomically correct T2-weighted fast spin echo images (T2-FSE). A global histogram intensity matching of the T2-FSE precedes the base line EPI image distortion correction. A local intensity-matching algorithm was used to transform labeled T2-FSE regions to match intensities of diffusion-weighted EPI images prior to distortion correction of these images. Evaluation was performed using three methods: (i) visual comparison of overlaid contours, (ii) a global mutual information index, and (iii) a local distance measure between homologous points. Visual assessment and the global index demonstrated a decrease in geometrical distortion and the distance measure showed that distortions are reduced to a subvoxel level. In conclusion, the warping algorithm is effective in reducing geometric distortions, enabling generation of anatomically correct diffusion tensor images at 3 T.     

EPI distortion correction from a simultaneously acquired distortion map using TRAIL

PURPOSE: To develop a method for shot-by-shot distortion correction of single-shot echo-planar imaging (EPI) that is capable of correcting each image individually using a distortion measurement performed during acquisition of the image itself. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The recently-introduced method known as two reduced acquisitions interleaved (TRAIL) was extended to measure the distribution of the main magnetic field B0 with each shot. This corresponded to a map of distortion, and allowed distortion to be corrected in the acquired images. RESULTS: Distortion-corrected images were demonstrated in the human brain. The distortion field could be directly visualized using the "stripe" distribution imposed by the TRAIL pulse sequence. This confirmed the success of the correction. Over a time-course measurement of 10 images, variance was reduced by using shot-by-shot distortion correction compared to correction with a constant field map. CONCLUSION: Shot-by-shot distortion correction may be performed for EPI images acquired using an extension of the TRAIL technique, ensuring that the correction reflects the actual distortion pattern and not merely a previously measured, but possibly no longer valid, distortion field. This avoids errors due to changes in the distortion field or misregistration of a previously measured distortion map resulting from subject motion.     

Volume-rendered multidetector CT angiography: noninvasive follow-up of patients treated with renal artery stents

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the role of multidetector CT (MDCT) angiography with volume rendering for estimating the patency of renal artery stents. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In 16 patients, 16 renal artery stents were evaluated with MDCT renal angiography and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). CT data were evaluated using multiplanar volume reformations and the volume-rendering algorithm with three different volume-rendered parameter settings (low-to-high, high-to-low, and high-low-high opacity transfer functions: VR(LH), VR(HL), and VR(VE), respectively). Targeted images of each stent were rendered in paraaxial and paracoronal planes and were interactively interpreted. The overall restenosis severity was measured on postprocessed paraaxial and paracoronal images and compared with that obtained on DSA using linear regression analysis. Image quality and lumen delineation on rendered images were also compared using Wilcoxon's signed rank test. RESULTS: Eight restenoses were identified on DSA. Correlations between restenosis severity measured with DSA and those measured with MDCT were significant (p < 0.001). Volume rendering with VR(HL) allowed the best correlation with DSA (reviewer 1, r(2) = 0.86; reviewer 2, r(2) = 0.94) and was significantly better than multiplanar volume reformations (p = 0.028). Overall image quality was high with all rendering techniques and with no significant differences (p > 0.59, for all comparisons). Stent lumen was well delineated with volume-rendering modalities; however, VR(HL) was significantly better than VR(LH) (p = 0.033). CONCLUSION: Volume-rendered MDCT angiography enabled high-quality three-dimensional reproducible evaluation of the patency of implanted renal artery stents. Volume rendering with VR(HL) achieved the best performance.     

SPECT liver imaging using an iterative attenuation correction algorithm and an external flood source

The results obtained from the inclusion of a new intrinsic attenuation correction algorithm into a protocol for SPECT liver imaging are presented in this study. A total of six patients were evaluated with this protocol. The new algorithm uses a transmission tomographic acquisition that is obtained before a standard emission tomograph, and requires the use of an external flood source. The transmission tomograph results in an attenuation image, or map, of the patient. The attenuation map then serves as input into the final intrinsic correction algorithm, that also uses data from a standard emission acquisition. The results of the six patients studied show that the algorithm can correct for attenuation effects without degrading image quality. In all the cases studied, the attenuation corrected images made the cases easier to interpret than did the images obtained without attenuation correction.     

In vivo evaluation of patency and in-stent stenoses after implantation of nitinol stents in iliac arteries using MR angiography

OBJECTIVE: Our study was a prospective in vivo study to evaluate whether MR angiography is suitable for assessing stent patency and grading in-stent stenoses and to examine whether the accuracy of MR angiography changes with time after stent implantation. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In a prospective study, 34 iliac stenoses in 27 patients were treated by implantation of 35 nitinol stents. MR angiography was performed immediately after stent placement for 32 stents, and both digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and MR angiography were repeated at the 6-month follow-up for 23 stents. Three blinded observers assessed stent patency and the degree of in-stent stenoses on MR angiography and DSA (the standard of reference) images. The difference between the observers' grading of stenoses on DSA and on MR angiography was determined. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student's t test for paired samples. RESULTS: Stent patency was assessed correctly for all stents and both sets of MR angiography images. Evaluation of DSA 1 images (obtained at end of implantation procedure) revealed that 96.9% of in-stent stenoses were less than 50%. On DSA 2 images (obtained at follow-up), 95.7% of in-stent stenoses were graded as less than 50%. The difference between grading of stenoses on DSA and MR angiography images was 15.0% +/- 16.0% (minimum, 0.0%; maximum, 63.3%) for DSA 1 versus MR angiography 1 (statistically significant, p = 0.037) and 9.8% +/- 13.5% (minimum, 0.0%; maximum, 63.3%) for MR angiography 2 versus DSA 2 (not statistically significant, p = 0.355). CONCLUSION: Patency was correctly assessed for all stents on MR angiography. The quality of MR angiography regarding characterization of in-stent stenoses improved with time after stent placement. However, discrepancies of more than 60% between grading of lumen narrowing on DSA and MR angiography images occurred even at the 6-month follow-up. Thus, MR angiography is not yet a reliable technique for characterization of in-stent stenoses.     

Neuroanatomical localization for clinical SPECT perfusion brain imaging: a practical proportional grid method.

For the purpose of facilitating anatomical localization in interpretation of 99Tcm-hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime (HMPAO) brain single photon emission tomographic (SPECT) scans, a stereotaxic proportional grid system was applied in the form of an interactive computer program. This method takes advantage of a rotating gamma camera system which permits planar scout imaging for the determination of anatomical reference lines, and standardization of tomographic slices for brain size. Using measurements made on a lateral planar HMPAO image, proportional grids were constructed onto standardized transaxial images. This method was implemented for 33 clinical HMPAO SPECT studies. It required less than 15 min of an operator's time. This simple and practical neuroanatomical localization technique can be instrumental as an aid to the interpretation of routine clinical HMPAO SPECT images.     

3D digital subtraction angiography of intracranial aneurysms: comparison of flat panel detector with conventional image intensifier TV system using a vascular phantom

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Compared with the image intensifier (I.I.)-TV system, the flat panel detector (FPD) system of direct conversion type has several theoretic advantages, such as higher spatial resolution, wide dynamic range, and no image distortion. The purpose of this study was to compare the image quality of 3D digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in the FPD and conventional I.I.-TV systems using a vascular phantom. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An anthropomorphic vascular phantom was designed to simulate the various intracranial aneurysms with aneurysmal bleb. The tubes of this vascular phantom were filled with 2 concentrations of contrast material (300 and 150 mg I/mL), and we obtained 3D DSA using the FPD and I.I.-TV systems. First, 2 blinded radiologists compared the volume-rendering images for 3D DSA on the FPD and I.I.-TV systems, looking for pseudostenosis artifacts. Then, 2 other radiologists independently evaluated both systems for the depiction of the simulated aneurysm and aneurysmal bleb using a 5-point scale. RESULTS: For the degree of the pseudostenosis artifacts at the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery at 300 mg I/mL, 3D DSA with FPD system showed mild stenoses, whereas severe stenoses were observed at 3D DSA with I.I.-TV system. At both concentrations, the FPD system was significantly superior to I.I.-TV system regarding the depiction of aneurysm and aneurysmal bleb. CONCLUSION: Compared with the I.I.-TV system, the FPD system could create high-resolution 3D DSA combined with a reduction of the pseudostenosis artifacts.     

Contrast-enhanced 3D MR angiography of the carotid artery: comparison with conventional digital subtraction angiography

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Since 1996, several preliminary studies have shown the usefulness of contrast material-enhanced MR angiography for imaging supraaortic vessels. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of contrast-enhanced 3D MR angiography with that of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in the evaluation of carotid artery stenosis. METHODS: A blinded comparison of first-pass contrast-enhanced MR angiography with conventional DSA was performed in 120 patients (240 arteries). MR angiography was performed with a 1.5-T magnet with gradient overdrive equipment, by using a coronal radiofrequency-spoiled 3D fast low-angle-shot sequence after the intravenous injection of gadodiamide. The guidelines of the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial for measuring stenosis of the internal carotid artery were applied on maximum intensity projection (MIP) images and conventional catheter angiograms. RESULTS: Grading of stenoses on MR angiograms agreed with grading of stenoses on DSA images in 89% of arteries. In the severe stenosis group (70-99%), agreement was 93%. All internal carotid occlusions (n = 28) and seven of nine pseudo-occlusions were accurately detected with contrast-enhanced MR angiography. The correlation between MR angiography and DSA for determination of minimal, moderate, and severe stenoses and occlusion was statistically significant (r = 0.91, P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: This investigation with a large number of patients confirms that contrast-enhanced MR angiography could become a diagnostic alternative to DSA in the treatment of patients with carotid artery disease.     

Improved high resolution MR imaging for surface coils using automated intensity non-uniformity correction: feasibility study in the orbit.

This study examined the effects of a recently developed automated intensity non-uniformity correction on surface coil images using the orbit as an exemplar. Images were obtained using a standard head coil and a range of surface coils. Slices through the optic nerve head and cavernous sinus were subjected to the correction algorithm. Blind forced-choice rankings of the subjective image quality were performed. Quantitative measurements were taken of the similarity between vitreous humor at two depths from the coil, and of the conspicuity between orbital fat and temporalis muscle intensities. The combined qualitative ranks for corrected surface coil images were higher than for the equivalent uncorrected images in all cases. Intensity non-uniformity correction produced statistically significant improvements in orbital surface coil images, bringing their intensity uniformity in homogeneous tissue to the level of head coil images. The subjective quality of the corrected surface coil images was superior to head coil images, due to increased spatial resolution combined with improved signal to noise ratio across the image.