JP2014144371A - Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and magnetic resonance imaging method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus with improved imaging efficiency.SOLUTION: The method includes the step to: perform positioning scanning of a subject, generate a positioning image of the subject, and display the positioning image on a display unit (S11). The method also includes the steps to: make an operator set a slice position for main scanning on the positioning image (S21), make the operator instruct the start of preview scanning for scanning the set slice position, perform the preview scanning on the basis of the start of the preview scanning (S31), generate a preview image of the subject (S41), and display the preview image on the display unit (S51). The method also includes the steps to: if the displayed preview image is a desired image, make the operator instruct the start of main scanning for scanning the set slice position, perform the main scanning on the basis of the start of the main scanning (S71), generate a slice image of the subject (S81), and display the slice image on the display unit (S91).

Description

  The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and a magnetic resonance imaging method.

  2. Description of the Related Art A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus is known as an apparatus that can take a tomographic image of a subject by using a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) phenomenon. Magnetic resonance imaging apparatuses are widely used in fields such as medical applications and industrial applications.

  When imaging a tomographic image of a subject using a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, first, the subject is placed in an imaging space in which a static magnetic field is formed, and the direction of spin in protons in the subject is statically determined. Align in the direction of the magnetic field to obtain the magnetization vector. Thereafter, an electromagnetic wave having a resonance frequency is irradiated from the RF coil to generate a nuclear magnetic resonance phenomenon and change the proton magnetization vector. Then, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus receives a magnetic resonance signal from a proton that returns to the original magnetization vector by an RF coil, and generates a tomographic image of the subject based on the received magnetic resonance signal.

  When performing a main scan of a subject using a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, a positioning scan is performed in advance to generate and display a positioning image in order to determine a slice position at which the main scan is performed. For example, a positioning image is generated and displayed for slices of the axial plane, sagittal plane, and coronal plane of the subject. Then, the operator observes the positioning image and sets the slice position for the main scan. Then, a main scan is performed on the set slice position of the subject, and a main scan image is generated based on the magnetic resonance signal obtained from the subject by the main scan.

  However, in the main scan image generated as described above, there are cases where artifacts are generated due to crosstalk or phase folding, or where necessary portions are not photographed. For this reason, in order to obtain a desired main scan image, the main scan may have to be performed again. In particular, when the main scan is performed with multi-slice or multi-angle, such a problem may become apparent. For this reason, it may be difficult to efficiently perform imaging of the subject.

  Accordingly, an object of the invention to solve the problem is to provide a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and a magnetic resonance imaging method capable of improving imaging efficiency.

  The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of the invention that solves the above-described problem has a slice position setting unit that sets a slice position for performing the main scan in the subject, and the slice position of the subject set by the slice position setting unit The main scan image is generated based on a magnetic resonance signal obtained from the subject by the main scan, and is a slice position set by the slice position setting unit before the main scan is performed. Set by the slice position setting unit based on a magnetic resonance signal from the subject obtained by the preview scan started by the preview scan start unit and a preview scan start unit that starts a preview scan Slice position preview Generating a and a preview image generation unit.

  In the magnetic resonance imaging method of the invention that solves the above-described problem, a slice position for performing a main scan in a subject is set, and a main scan image of the set slice position of the subject is obtained by the main scan. A magnetic resonance imaging method generated based on a magnetic resonance signal obtained from a specimen, the first step of starting a preview scan for scanning the set slice position before the execution of the main scan, and the first step And a second step of generating a preview image of the set slice position based on a magnetic resonance signal from the subject obtained by the preview scan started in one step.

  According to the invention for solving the problems, it is possible to provide a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and a magnetic resonance imaging method capable of improving imaging efficiency.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 of Embodiment 1 according to the invention for solving the problems. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the main configuration of the control unit 25 in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention for solving the problem. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a main configuration of the data processing unit 31 in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention for solving the problem. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation when imaging a slice of the subject SU in the embodiment according to the invention for solving the problem. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a screen of the display unit 33 in the embodiment according to the invention for solving the problem.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment according to the invention for solving the problem will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 in an embodiment according to the invention for solving the problem.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 includes a static magnetic field magnet unit 12, a gradient coil unit 13, an RF coil unit 14, an RF drive unit 22, a gradient drive unit 23, and a data collection unit 24. , Control unit 25, cradle 26, data processing unit 31, operation unit 32, and display unit 33. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 irradiates the subject SU in the imaging space B where a static magnetic field is formed with an electromagnetic wave, performs a scan to obtain a magnetic resonance signal from the subject SU, and obtained by this scan Based on the magnetic resonance signal, an image of the slice of the subject SU is generated.

  Each component of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described sequentially.

  The static magnetic field magnet unit 12 includes, for example, a pair of permanent magnets that sandwich the imaging space B, and forms a static magnetic field in the imaging space B in which the subject SU is accommodated. The static magnetic field magnet unit 12 forms a static magnetic field in the vertical direction Z where a pair of permanent magnets face each other, for example. The static magnetic field magnet unit 12 may be configured to include a magnet such as a superconducting magnet in addition to a permanent magnet.

  The gradient coil unit 13 forms a gradient magnetic field in the imaging space B in which a static magnetic field is formed in order to add position information to the magnetic resonance signal received by the RF coil unit 14. The gradient coil section 13 includes three gradient coils so as to generate gradient magnetic fields gradient in three axial directions orthogonal to each other, and each of a frequency encoding direction, a phase encoding direction, and a slice selection direction according to imaging conditions. To form a gradient magnetic field. Specifically, the gradient coil unit 13 applies a gradient magnetic field in the slice selection direction of the subject SU, and selects a slice of the subject SU to be excited when the RF coil unit 14 transmits an RF pulse. The gradient coil 13 applies a gradient magnetic field in the phase encoding direction of the subject SU, and phase encodes the magnetic resonance signal from the slice excited by the RF pulse. The gradient coil unit 13 applies a gradient magnetic field in the frequency encoding direction of the subject SU, and frequency encodes the magnetic resonance signal from the slice excited by the RF pulse.

  The RF coil unit 14 transmits an RF pulse, which is an electromagnetic wave, to the subject SU in the imaging space B where the static magnetic field is formed by the static magnetic field magnet unit 12 to form a high-frequency magnetic field, and in the imaging region of the subject SU. Excites proton spin. The RF coil unit 14 receives an electromagnetic wave generated from the excited proton in the subject SU as a magnetic resonance signal.

  The RF driving unit 22 drives the RF coil unit 14 to transmit an RF pulse in the imaging space B to form a high frequency magnetic field. The RF drive unit 22 includes a gate modulator, an RF power amplifier, and an RF oscillator. Based on a control signal from the control unit 25, the RF drive unit 22 uses a gate modulator to send a signal from the RF oscillator to a predetermined timing and After modulation into a signal of a predetermined envelope, the signal modulated by the gate modulator is amplified by an RF power amplifier and output to the RF coil unit 14 to transmit an RF pulse.

  The gradient driving unit 23 applies a gradient pulse to the gradient coil unit 13 based on a control signal from the control unit 25 and drives it to form a gradient magnetic field in the imaging space B where a static magnetic field is formed. The gradient drive unit 23 includes three systems of drive circuits (not shown) so as to correspond to the three systems of gradient coils of the gradient coil unit 13.

  The data collection unit 24 collects magnetic resonance signals received by the RF coil unit 14 based on a control signal from the control unit 25 and outputs the magnetic resonance signals to the data processing unit 31. The data collecting unit 24 collects the magnetic resonance signals subjected to the phase encoding and the frequency encoding so as to correspond to the k space. Here, in the data collecting unit 24, the phase detector detects the magnetic resonance signal received by the RF coil unit 14 using the output of the RF oscillator of the RF driving unit 22 as a reference signal. Thereafter, the magnetic resonance signal, which is an analog signal, is converted into a digital signal using an A / D converter. The data collection unit 24 stores the magnetic resonance signal in the memory and then outputs the magnetic resonance signal to the data processing unit 31.

  The control unit 25 includes a computer and a program that causes each unit to execute an operation corresponding to a predetermined scan using the computer. Then, the control unit 25 performs a predetermined scan on each of the RF drive unit 22, the gradient drive unit 23, and the data collection unit 24 based on an operation signal input from the operation unit 32 via the data processing unit 31. Control is performed by outputting a control signal to be executed.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the main configuration of the control unit 25 in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention for solving the problem.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the control unit 25 includes a main scan start unit 251 and a preview scan start unit 252.

  The main scan start unit 251 of the control unit 25 starts a main scan that scans a slice position set by a slice position setting unit 311 of the data processing unit 31 described later. The main scan start unit 251 starts this main scan based on a command from the operator. Specifically, based on a command for starting the main scan input by the operator to the operation unit 32, a control signal is transmitted to each of the RF driving unit 22, the gradient driving unit 23, and the data collecting unit 24, and the main scanning is performed. Start of implementation.

  The preview scan start unit 252 of the control unit 25 starts a preview scan that scans a slice position set by a slice position setting unit 311 of the data processing unit 31 (to be described later) before performing the main scan. The preview scan start unit 252 starts this preview scan based on a command from the operator. Specifically, based on a command for starting a preview scan input by the operator to the operation unit 32, a control signal is transmitted to each of the RF drive unit 22, the gradient drive unit 23, and the data collection unit 24, and the preview scan is performed. Start of implementation. Here, the preview scan start unit 252 starts a preview scan with a scan condition having a scan time shorter than that of the main scan. For example, preview scan is performed under scan conditions corresponding to a high-speed pulse sequence such as fast GRE (fast gradient echo) method and single shot fast spin echo (single shot fast spin echo) method. To do.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the cradle 26 has a table on which the subject SU is placed. The cradle unit 26 moves the subject SU placed on the table between the inside and outside of the imaging space B based on a control signal from the control unit 25. Here, the subject SU is moved along the circular center axis direction C of the cylindrical imaging space B.

  The data processing unit 31 includes a computer and a program that executes predetermined data processing using the computer. The data processing unit 31 is connected to the operation unit 32 and receives an operation signal from the operation unit 32. The data processing unit 31 is connected to the control unit 25, outputs an operation signal input to the operation unit 32 by the operator to the control unit 25, and causes the control unit 25 to control each unit. The data processing unit 31 is connected to the data collecting unit 24, acquires the magnetic resonance signal collected by the data collecting unit 24, performs image processing on the acquired magnetic resonance signal, and performs a subject test. An image for a slice of SU is generated. Then, the data processing unit 31 outputs the generated image to the display unit 33.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a main configuration of the data processing unit 31 in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention for solving the problem.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the data processing unit 31 includes a slice position setting unit 311 and an image generation unit 312.

  The slice position setting unit 311 of the data processing unit 31 sets a slice position for performing the main scan in the subject SU. Here, in order to determine the slice position for subject scanning of the subject SU, the axial surface and sagittal surface of the subject SU generated and displayed on the display unit 33 by the positioning scan performed before the subject scan is performed. The operator observes the positioning image of the slice with the coronal plane, and on the positioning image displayed on the display unit 33, the operator uses the pointing device of the operation unit 32 to determine the slice position at which the subject SU is actually scanned. input. Then, the slice position setting unit 251 sets the slice position at which the main scan is performed in the subject SU based on the command from the operator input by the operation unit 32. Thereafter, an operation signal based on this setting is output to the control unit 25, and the control unit 25 is caused to perform a scan for the slice position according to this setting.

  The image generation unit 312 of the data processing unit 31 includes the subject SU set by the slice position setting unit 311 based on the magnetic resonance signal obtained from the subject SU by the main scan started by the main scan start unit 251. A main scan image for the slice position is generated. The image generation unit 312 acquires the magnetic resonance signal collected by the data collection unit 24 by the main scan as a digital signal, performs a Fourier transform process on the magnetic resonance signal converted into the digital signal, and performs the analysis of the subject SU. A main scan image for the slice is generated. Then, the image generation unit 312 outputs image data for the generated main scan image to the display unit 33.

  Further, the image generation unit 312 generates a preview image of the slice position set by the slice position setting unit 311 based on the magnetic resonance signal from the subject SU obtained by the preview scan started by the preview scan start unit 252. To do. The image generation unit 312 acquires the magnetic resonance signal collected by the data collection unit 24 by the preview scan as a digital signal, performs a Fourier transform process on the magnetic resonance signal converted into the digital signal, Similarly to the case, a preview image for the slice of the subject SU is generated. Then, the image generation unit 312 outputs image data regarding the generated preview image to the display unit 33.

  The operation unit 32 includes a keyboard and a pointing device. The operation unit 32 is operated by an operator and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation to the data processing unit 31.

  In the present embodiment, the main scan start button for starting the main scan is displayed as an image on the screen of the display unit 33, and the operator presses the main scan start button using the pointing device of the operation unit 32. A command for starting the main scan is input. Then, the operation unit 32 outputs an operation signal for starting the main scan to the main scan starting unit 251 of the control unit 25 via the data processing unit 31 to perform the main scan.

  Also, a preview scan start button for starting a preview scan is displayed as an image on the screen of the display unit 33, and the operator presses the preview scan start button using the pointing device of the operation unit 32, thereby previewing the preview scan. A command to start scanning is input. Then, the operation unit 32 outputs an operation signal for starting the preview scan to the preview scan start unit 252 of the control unit 25 via the data processing unit 31 to perform the preview scan.

  The display unit 33 is configured by a display device such as a CRT. The display unit 33 displays, on the screen, images indicating operation buttons and scan conditions in addition to the image of the slice of the subject SU that has been imaged.

  In the present embodiment, the display unit 33 performs data processing based on the magnetic resonance signal obtained from the subject SU by the positioning scan performed in advance in order to determine the slice position for the main scan of the subject SU. A positioning image for the slice of the subject SU generated by the unit 31 is displayed. For example, a positioning image for a slice of the axial surface, sagittal surface, and coronal surface of the subject SU is displayed. Then, the operator observes a positioning image regarding the slice of the axial surface, the sagittal surface, and the coronal surface of the subject SU, and the slice position image regarding the slice position input by the operator using the pointing device of the operation unit 32 Display on the positioning image.

  The display unit 33 displays the main scan image generated by the image generation unit 312 on the screen after the main scan is performed. Further, the display unit 33 displays the preview image generated by the image generation unit 312 on the screen after the preview scan is performed.

  Hereinafter, an operation when performing a main scan and imaging of a slice of the subject SU using the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are diagrams for explaining an operation when imaging a slice of the subject SU in the present embodiment.

  Here, FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation when imaging a slice of the subject SU in the present embodiment.

  On the other hand, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a screen of the display unit 33 in the present embodiment. In FIG. 5, FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a screen on which the positioning image SI is displayed. FIG. 5B shows a screen on which the slice position image PI is displayed. FIG. 5C shows a screen on which the preview image VI is displayed.

  When photographing a slice of the subject SU by performing the main scan AS, first, the subject SU is placed on the cradle 26, and then the RF coil unit 14 is installed so as to correspond to the photographing region of the subject SU. Then, the control unit 25 controls the cradle 26 on which the subject SU is placed and moves into the imaging space B in which a static magnetic field is formed.

  Prior to performing the main scan, a positioning scan is performed in order to determine a slice position for the main scan of the subject SU. Then, based on the magnetic resonance signal obtained from the subject SU by this positioning scan, the data processing unit 31 generates a positioning image SI for the slice of the subject SU. Here, for example, a positioning image SI is generated for a slice of the axial surface, sagittal surface, and coronal surface of the subject SU.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the positioning image SI is displayed (S11).

  Here, as shown in FIG. 5A, three positioning images SI, that is, a positioning image SIa for the axial surface of the subject SU, a positioning image SIs for the sagittal surface, and a positioning image SIc for the coronal surface are obtained. Then, the images are displayed side by side so as to correspond to the region divided vertically and horizontally on the screen of the display unit 33. In addition, the main scan start button AB for starting the main scan AS and the preview scan PV are started so as to correspond to an area in which the positioning image SI is not displayed on the screen of the display unit 33 in the vertical and horizontal directions. An image with the preview scan start button PB is displayed on the display unit 33.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4, a slice position P is set (S21).

  Here, the operator observes three positioning images SI including the positioning image SIa for the axial surface of the subject SU, the positioning image SIs for the sagittal surface, and the positioning image SIc for the coronal surface. Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, for example, the slice position P is input on the positioning image SIs for the sagittal plane using the pointing device of the operation unit 32, and the display unit 33 displays the slice position P for the slice position P. The slice position image PI is displayed on the positioning image SIs. In the present embodiment, the linear first slice position P1 and the second slice position P2 that intersect with each other are input as the slice position P by the operator, and the linear first slice position image corresponding to the first slice position P1. The display unit 33 displays the two slice position images PI, PI1 and the linear second slice position image PI2 corresponding to the second slice position P2, so as to be superimposed on the positioning image SIs about the sagittal plane.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the preview scan PV is started (S31).

  Here, the operator presses the preview scan start button PB displayed as an image on the screen of the display unit 33 by using the pointing device of the operation unit 32. Thereby, a command for starting the preview scan PV is input to the operation unit 32. The operation unit 32 outputs an operation signal for starting the preview scan PV to the preview scan start unit 252 of the control unit 25 via the data processing unit 31, and the slice position set by the slice position setting unit 311. A preview scan PV for scanning P is performed. Specifically, based on a command for starting the preview scan PV input to the operation unit 32 by the operator, the preview scan start unit 252 applies the RF drive unit 22, the gradient drive unit 23, and the data collection unit 24, respectively. A control signal is transmitted, and the first slice position P1 and the second slice position P2 are scanned as the preview scan PV. Here, the preview scan start unit 252 causes the preview scan PV with a scan condition shorter than the main scan AS to be performed. For example, the preview scan PV is performed under scan conditions corresponding to a pulse sequence such as the Fast GRE method and the single shot Fast SE method.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4, a preview image VI is generated (S41).

  Here, the image generation unit 312 generates the preview image VI of the slice position P set by the slice position setting unit 311 based on the magnetic resonance signal from the subject SU obtained by the preview scan PV. In the present embodiment, the first preview image VI1 for the axial surface of the subject SU corresponding to the first slice position P1, and the second preview image VI2 for the axial surface of the subject SU corresponding to the second slice position P2. Are sequentially generated by the image generation unit 312 as the preview image VI. Then, the image generation unit 312 outputs image data for the generated preview image VI to the display unit 33.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4, a preview image VI is displayed (S51).

  Here, the display unit 33 displays the preview image VI generated by the image generation unit 312 on the screen. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5C, a window is provided on the positioning image SI, and the display unit 33 displays the preview image VI in this window. Specifically, a first preview image VI1 for the axial surface of the subject SU corresponding to the first slice position P1, and a second preview image VI2 for the axial surface of the subject SU corresponding to the second slice position P2. The display unit 33 displays the two preview images VI. For example, based on the command input to the operation unit 32 by the operator, one of the two preview images VI, the first preview image VI1 and the second preview image VI2, is selected and displayed on the display unit 33.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4, it is determined whether or not the slice position S is reset (S61).

  Here, the operator observes the preview image VI displayed on the screen of the display unit 33, and determines whether or not a desired image is obtained. For example, it is determined whether or not an artifact has occurred in the preview image VI and whether or not a necessary part has been imaged.

  If the preview image VI is not a desired image, the slice position S is set again as shown in FIG. 4, and the operations in steps (S21, S31, S41, S51) similar to the above are performed.

  On the other hand, when the preview image VI is a desired image, the main scan AS is started as shown in FIG. 4 (S71).

  Here, the operator presses the main scan start button AB displayed as an image on the screen of the display unit 33 by using the pointing device of the operation unit 32. Thereby, a command for starting the main scan HS is input to the operation unit 32. The operation unit 32 outputs an operation signal for starting the main scan AS to the main scan start unit 251 of the control unit 25 via the data processing unit 31, and the slice position set by the slice position setting unit 311. The main scan AS for scanning P is performed. Specifically, based on a command for starting the main scan AS input to the operation unit 32 by the operator, the main scan start unit 251 applies the RF drive unit 22, the gradient drive unit 23, and the data collection unit 24 to each of them. A control signal is transmitted, and the first slice position P1 and the second slice position P2 are scanned as the main scan AS.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4, a main scan image AI is generated (S81).

  Here, the image generation unit 312 generates the main scan image AI of the slice position P set by the slice position setting unit 311 based on the magnetic resonance signal from the subject SU obtained by the main scan AS. In the present embodiment, the first main scan image AI1 for the axial surface of the subject SU corresponding to the first slice position P1, and the second main scan for the axial surface of the subject SU corresponding to the second slice position P2. The image generation unit 312 sequentially generates the image AI2 as the main scan image AI. Then, the image generation unit 312 outputs image data for the generated main scan image AI to the display unit 33.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the main scan image AI is displayed (S91).

  Here, the display unit 33 displays the main scan image AI generated by the image generation unit 312 on the screen.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the preview scan PV that scans the slice position P set by the slice position setting unit 311 is started by the preview scan start unit 252 before the main scan AS is performed. Here, the preview scan start unit 252 starts a preview scan PV under a scan condition with a scan time shorter than that of the main scan AS, based on a command from the operator. Then, based on the magnetic resonance signal from the subject SU obtained by the preview scan PV started by the preview scan start unit 252, the image generation unit 312 displays the preview image VI for the slice position set by the slice position setting unit 311. Produces. Then, the display unit 33 displays the preview image VI generated by the image generation unit 312 on the screen. For this reason, in the present embodiment, it is possible to confirm whether or not a desired image is obtained by the main scan by observing the preview image VI before the main scan is performed.

  In particular, when a plurality of slice positions P where the main scan AS is performed cross each other as in the present embodiment, or when a slice interval between the plurality of slice positions P is narrow, the reason is that the RF pulse is not rectangular. As a result, the signals at the slice positions P may cross-talk and artifacts may occur in the image. By observing the preview image VI, the presence or absence of the artifacts can be confirmed. In addition, by observing the preview image VI, it is possible to confirm whether or not artifacts due to phase folding or the like have occurred, and it is possible to confirm whether a necessary part has been imaged.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, it is not necessary to perform the main scan AS again, and the subject can be imaged efficiently.

  In carrying out the invention for solving the problems, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be employed.

1: Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (magnetic resonance imaging apparatus)
12: Static magnetic field magnet section,
13: Gradient coil part,
14: RF coil section,
22: RF drive unit,
23: Gradient drive unit,
24: Data collection unit,
25: Control unit,
26: Cradle,
31: Data processing unit,
32: Operation unit,
33: Display unit (preview image display unit)
251: Main scan start part,
252: Preview scan start section (preview scan start section),
311: Slice position setting unit (slice position setting unit),
312: Image generation unit (preview image generation unit)
B: Shooting space

Claims (8)

A scan unit for performing a scan for generating a magnetic resonance signal by applying an RF pulse and a gradient magnetic field to a subject in an imaging space in which a static magnetic field is formed;
A positioning scan control unit for controlling the scanning unit to perform positioning scanning of the subject;
A positioning image generation unit that generates a positioning image of a subject based on a magnetic resonance signal obtained by performing the positioning scan, and displays the positioning image on a display unit;
A slice position setting unit in which a slice position for the main scan is set by an operator on the positioning image displayed on the display unit;
A preview scan instruction unit instructed by an operator to start a preview scan for scanning the slice position set in the slice position setting unit before the main scan is performed;
A preview scan control unit that controls the scan unit to perform the preview scan based on the start of the preview scan instructed by the preview scan instruction unit;
A preview image generation unit that generates a preview image of a subject based on a magnetic resonance signal obtained by performing the preview scan, and displays the preview image on the display unit;
When the displayed preview image is a desired image, a main scan instruction unit instructed by an operator to start the main scan for scanning the slice position set in the slice position setting unit;
A main scan control unit configured to control the scan unit based on the start of the main scan instructed by the main scan instruction unit to perform the main scan;
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising: a slice image generation unit configured to generate a slice image of a subject based on a magnetic resonance signal obtained by performing the main scan and display the slice image on a display unit. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1.
The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, wherein the preview scan control unit performs the preview scan under a scan condition in which a scan time is shorter than the main scan. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 2.
The preview scan control unit is a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus that causes the preview scan to be performed by a Fast GRE method or a single shot Fast SE method. In the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The positioning image is a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus in which images of an axial plane, a sagittal plane, and a coronal plane are displayed on the display unit. In a magnetic resonance imaging method for performing a scan for generating a magnetic resonance signal by applying an RF pulse and a gradient magnetic field to a subject in an imaging space where a static magnetic field is formed,
Perform a positioning scan of the subject,
A positioning image of the subject is generated based on the magnetic resonance signal obtained by performing the positioning scan,
Displaying the positioning image on a display unit;
The operator sets the slice position for the main scan on the positioning image displayed on the display unit,
The operator instructs the start of a preview scan for scanning the set slice position,
Performing the preview scan based on the start of the preview scan;
Generate a preview image of the subject based on the magnetic resonance signal obtained by performing the preview scan,
Displaying the preview image on the display unit;
When the displayed preview image is a desired image, an operator instructs the start of the main scan for scanning the set slice position,
Performing the main scan based on the start of the main scan;
A slice image of the subject is generated based on the magnetic resonance signal obtained by performing the main scan,
A magnetic resonance imaging method for displaying the slice image on a display unit. The magnetic resonance imaging method according to claim 5.
The magnetic resonance imaging method, wherein the preview scan is a scan under a scan condition having a scan time shorter than that of the main scan. The magnetic resonance imaging method according to claim 6.
The magnetic resonance imaging method, wherein the preview scan is a scan by a Fast GRE method or a single shot Fast SE method. In the magnetic resonance imaging method according to any one of claims 5 to 7,
The positioning image is a magnetic resonance imaging method in which images of an axial plane, a sagittal plane, and a coronal plane are displayed on the display unit.

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