JP2017077428A - Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an MRI apparatus capable of efficiently adjusting an imaging parameter.SOLUTION: An MRI apparatus includes: a magnetostatic field generation system 2 for generating a uniform magnetostatic field in a space in which a subject 1 is accommodated; a gradient magnetic field generation system 3 for generating a gradient magnetic field over on a magnetostatic field; a transmission coil 14a for generating a high frequency magnetic field to be radiated to the subject; a reception coil 14b for detecting an NMR signal generated from the subject; a CPU 8 for imaging a detected NMR signal; an operation section 25 for receiving an input of an imaging parameter used for planning imaging dynamic measurement; and a GUI comprising a display 20 for chronologically displaying intervals between multiple scans measured based on the imaging parameter, and the like. The progress of imaging dynamic measurement can be checked at a timing of scanning being displayed on the display on the basis of the imaging parameter input from the operation section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for assisting planning of contrast dynamic measurement and improving examination efficiency.

  A magnetic resonance imaging (hereinafter referred to as “MRI”) apparatus measures a nuclear magnetic resonance (hereinafter referred to as “NMR”) signal generated by a nuclear spin that constitutes a subject, in particular, a tissue of a human body. This is an apparatus for imaging two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally the form and function of the extremities. In imaging, the NMR signal is given different phase encoding depending on the gradient magnetic field and is frequency-encoded to be measured as time series data. The measured NMR signal is reconstructed into an image by two-dimensional or three-dimensional Fourier transform.

  Normally, a pulse sequence used for imaging irradiates a plurality of continuous RF pulses to one subject. For this reason, the MRI apparatus can memorize | store the combination of the pulse sequence used for one subject at a time, and the order of irradiation. Such a set of pulse sequences is called a protocol.

  Patent Document 1 discloses that the contrast agent arrival time to a target blood vessel required for imaging a contrast magnetic resonance blood vessel image (hereinafter referred to as “MRA”) is within the imaging field in a portion where it is difficult to determine by test injection. To determine the time to reach the blood vessel that easily captures the change in contrast agent concentration, and then measure the blood flow rate to obtain the contrast agent arrival time to the target blood vessel. In comparison, an MRI apparatus provided with means for obtaining a more accurate contrast agent arrival time is disclosed. Patent Document 2 discloses a planning tool for calculating a timing scheme for contrast medium injection and image collection for planning support of contrast enhancement dynamic planning for breasts.

JP 2002-301042 A Special table 2011-515138 gazette

  As described above, the construction of an inspection protocol for contrast dynamic measurement is difficult because it is necessary to consider the arrival time of the contrast agent. In addition, when it is necessary to give a breath holding instruction, the operator must accurately grasp the timing of the breath holding instruction when the examination starts. Currently, there is an automatic speech function that supports breath-holding instructions, but it is still difficult to establish a protocol because it is still necessary to set the test start time in consideration of the execution time of the automatic speech function. . Moreover, since a breath holding instruction is required at an appropriate timing after the start of the inspection, it is necessary to carefully grasp the progress of the inspection. In addition, if a reexamination is necessary, the burden on the subject such as a side effect of the contrast agent is large.

  Furthermore, an image 30 minutes after the injection of the contrast agent, for example, an image in an equilibrium phase in a liver contrast examination may be required. In this case, imaging is performed after a certain time has elapsed since the injection of the contrast agent, but there is a free time. If the desired scan can be performed in this idle time to efficiently execute the contrast scan required after the start of the test, the overall test efficiency will be improved and the burden on the subject will be reduced. Will be.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an MRI apparatus that can solve the above-described problems, facilitate an inspection plan, and can easily grasp the overall configuration of the inspection and the progress at the time of execution.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, a uniform static magnetic field in a space for accommodating a subject, a gradient magnetic field superimposed on the static magnetic field, a magnetic field generator for generating a high-frequency magnetic field for irradiating the subject, A detection unit that detects an NMR signal generated from a subject as an echo signal, an image processing unit that images the detected echo signal, and a graphical user interface that displays a plurality of scans and idle times between the scans ( (Hereinafter referred to as GUI) and a magnetic field generation unit, a detection unit, an image processing unit, and a control unit that controls the GUI, and the control unit is free of a plurality of scans using the GUI and a plurality of scans based on the imaging parameters. An MRI apparatus that controls display of time is provided.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling an MRI apparatus, wherein the MRI apparatus includes a uniform static magnetic field in a space for accommodating a subject, a gradient magnetic field superimposed on the static magnetic field, Generate a high-frequency magnetic field to irradiate the specimen, detect an NMR signal generated from the subject as an echo signal, image the detected echo signal, display a plurality of scans and free times between the multiple scans by GUI, Provided is a method for controlling an MRI apparatus that controls display of a plurality of scans by GUI and free time between the plurality of scans based on imaging parameters for planning contrast dynamic measurement.

  According to the present invention, an inspection plan such as a scan start time in an inspection can be easily set, the entire inspection can be easily grasped, and an instruction such as breath holding to a subject can be reliably performed.

It is a figure for demonstrating the whole structure of the MRI apparatus which concerns on each Example. It is a figure explaining the operation | movement flow of the MRI apparatus of Example 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI for creating a scan plan according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a GUI for creating a scan plan according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a GUI for creating a scan plan according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a GUI for creating a scan plan according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a time lapse of a GUI according to the first embodiment. It is a figure explaining the operation | movement flow of the MRI apparatus of Example 2. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI scan list according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of the GUI according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI imaging parameter input screen according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a GUI imaging parameter input screen according to the second embodiment. It is a figure explaining the operation | movement flow of the MRI apparatus of Example 3. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI scan list according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a GUI according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of the GUI according to the third embodiment.

  Various embodiments of the MRI apparatus of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In all the drawings for explaining the embodiments of the invention, those having the same function are given the same reference numerals, and their repeated explanation is omitted.

  First, an overall outline of an example of an MRI apparatus according to each embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of one embodiment of the MRI apparatus according to each embodiment. This MRI apparatus uses a NMR phenomenon to obtain a tomographic image of a subject. As shown in FIG. 1, the MRI apparatus includes a static magnetic field generation system 2, a gradient magnetic field generation system 3, a transmission system 5, The receiving system 6, the signal processing system 7, the sequencer 4, and a central processing unit (CPU) 8 are provided. In this specification, the sequencer 4 and the CPU 8 that control the MRI apparatus are collectively referred to as a control unit.

  The static magnetic field generation system 2 generates a uniform static magnetic field in the direction perpendicular to the body axis in the space around the subject 1 if the vertical magnetic field method is used, and in the direction of the body axis if the horizontal magnetic field method is used. Thus, a permanent magnet type, normal conducting type or superconducting type static magnetic field generating source is arranged around the subject 1.

  The gradient magnetic field generation system 3 includes a gradient magnetic field coil 9 that applies gradient magnetic fields in the three-axis directions of X, Y, and Z, which are coordinate systems (stationary coordinate systems) of the MRI apparatus, and gradient magnetic fields that drive the respective gradient magnetic field coils. Gradient magnetic fields Gx, Gy, Gz are applied in the three axial directions of X, Y, and Z by driving the gradient magnetic field power supply 10 of each coil according to a command from the sequencer 4 described later. . At the time of imaging, a slice direction gradient magnetic field pulse (Gs) is applied in a direction orthogonal to the slice plane (imaging cross section) to set a slice plane for the subject 1, and the remaining two orthogonal to the slice plane and orthogonal to each other A phase encoding direction gradient magnetic field pulse (Gp) and a frequency encoding direction gradient magnetic field pulse (Gf) are applied in one direction, and position information in each direction is encoded into an echo signal.

  The sequencer 4 is a control unit that repeatedly applies a high-frequency magnetic field pulse (hereinafter referred to as “RF pulse”) and a gradient magnetic field pulse in a predetermined pulse sequence, and operates under the control of the CPU 8 to collect tomographic image data of the subject 1. Various commands necessary for the transmission are sent to the transmission system 5, the gradient magnetic field generation system 3, and the reception system 6.

  The transmission system 5 irradiates the subject 1 with RF pulses in order to cause nuclear magnetic resonance to occur in the nuclear spins of the atoms constituting the living tissue of the subject 1, and includes a high-frequency oscillator 11, a modulator 12, and a high-frequency amplifier. 13 and a high frequency coil (transmission coil) 14a on the transmission side. The RF pulse output from the high-frequency oscillator 11 is amplitude-modulated by the modulator 12 at a timing according to a command from the sequencer 4, and the amplitude-modulated RF pulse is amplified by the high-frequency amplifier 13 and then placed close to the subject 1. By supplying to the high frequency coil 14a, the subject 1 is irradiated with the RF pulse.

The receiving system 6 detects an echo signal which is an NMR signal emitted by nuclear magnetic resonance of nuclear spins constituting the biological tissue of the subject 1, and receives a high-frequency coil (receiving coil) 14b and a signal amplifier 15 on the receiving side. And a quadrature detector 16 and an A / D converter 17. After the NMR signal of the response of the subject 1 induced by the electromagnetic wave irradiated from the high frequency coil 14a on the transmission side is detected by the high frequency coil 14b arranged close to the subject 1 and amplified by the signal amplifier 15, The quadrature phase detector 16 divides the signal into two orthogonal signals at a timing according to a command from the sequencer 4, and each signal is converted into a digital quantity by the A / D converter 17 and sent to the signal processing system 7.
The signal processing system 7 performs various data processing and display and storage of processing results. The signal processing system 7 includes an external storage device such as an optical disk 19 and a magnetic disk 18, a storage unit such as a ROM 21 and RAM 22, and a GUI including a CRT. And a display 20 to be configured. When data from the reception system 6 is input to the CPU 8 which is a control unit, the CPU 8 executes processing such as signal processing and image reconstruction, and displays a tomographic image of the subject 1 as a result on the display 20. Recording is performed on the magnetic disk 18 or the like of the external storage device.

  The operation unit 25 is used to input various control information of the MRI apparatus and control information of processing performed by the signal processing system 7 and includes a trackball or mouse 23 and a keyboard 24. The operation unit 25 is disposed in the vicinity of the display 20, and the operator can perform various processing operations of the MRI apparatus interactively on the GUI through the operation unit 25 which is a component of the GUI while looking at the display 20 which is a component of the GUI. Instruct.

  In FIG. 1, the high-frequency coil 14a and the gradient magnetic field coil 9 on the transmission side face the subject 1 in the static magnetic field space of the static magnetic field generation system 2 in which the subject 1 is inserted in the vertical magnetic field method. If the horizontal magnetic field method is used, the subject 1 is installed so as to surround it. The high-frequency coil 14b on the receiving side is installed so as to face or surround the subject 1.

  At present, the radionuclide to be imaged by the MRI apparatus is a hydrogen nucleus (proton) which is a main constituent material of the subject as widely used clinically. By imaging information on the spatial distribution of proton density and the spatial distribution of relaxation time in the excited state, the form or function of the human head, abdomen, limbs, etc. is imaged two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally.

  In the first embodiment, a uniform static magnetic field in a space in which the subject is accommodated, a gradient magnetic field superimposed on the static magnetic field, a magnetic field generating unit that generates a high-frequency magnetic field irradiated to the subject, and an NMR signal generated from the subject A detection unit that detects an echo signal, an image processing unit that images the detected echo signal, a GUI that displays a plurality of scans and a free time between the scans, a magnetic field generation unit, a detection unit, and image processing And a control unit that controls the GUI, and the control unit is an embodiment of an MRI apparatus that controls display of a plurality of scans by the GUI and free time between the plurality of scans based on imaging parameters.

  The MRI apparatus of Example 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 shows a flow of contrast dynamic measurement using the MRI apparatus of the present embodiment. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3E and FIG. 4 are diagrams illustrating an example of a GUI that can display the scan intervals of a plurality of scans displayed on the display of the MRI apparatus of the present embodiment, the remaining time until each scan, and the like.

  In step S26 of FIG. 2, the operator uses the display 20 and the operation unit 25 as described above to select an arbitrary scan (sequence) to be used for contrast dynamic measurement using the GUI, and activates the dynamic measurement setting screen. .

  In step S27, using the GUI displayed on the display 20, the operator sets the number of scan repetitions (Repeat Count). Note that the GUI for setting the number of repetitions (Repeat Count) of this scan will be described later with reference to FIG. 3B. Here, the number of scan repetitions is associated with each scan in advance and stored in the storage device or storage unit of the signal processing system 7, and the number of repetitions is read from the scan selection and set automatically. You may comprise as follows.

  In step S28, the operator uses the GUI to set the scan execution timing. As shown in FIG. 3A (a), the scan execution start timing may be set by a method of designating each scan start time (Scan Start Time) 31 on the time axis where the contrast agent injection time is 0. However, as shown in (b) of FIG. 3A, a method of designating the time interval (Scan Start Interval Time) 32 of the start time of each scan may be used, and a GUI that can select either one can be configured. The scan start time designated by the operator may be a time obtained from the test injection method or a general value of the arrival time of the contrast agent to the target blood vessel or organ, and is disclosed in Patent Document 1. It may be the method, that is, the arrival time of the contrast agent to the target blood vessel, which is estimated from the blood flow velocity, and more preferably, a GUI that can select either one can be configured.

  In step S29, when the setting of the number of scan repetitions and the start timing is completed, the execution time of the scan execution timing on the time axis with the contrast agent injection time set to 0 is displayed on the dynamic measurement setting screen by executing the program of the CPU 8 as the control unit. Control is performed so that the scan interval, the scan start time interval, the scan start time, and the scan time (hereinafter collectively referred to as a scan time chart) are displayed on the GUI display 20. By displaying this scan time chart, the operator can visually grasp the free time between a plurality of scans.

  In addition, when a setting is made to execute a function that automatically instructs breath holding immediately before the start of these scans, the CPU 8 is also executed with the execution time of the automatic speech function that similarly instructs breath holding. Control to display the timing on the scan time chart. FIG. 3A shows an example of a display screen in which the execution time of the breath holding automatic generation function is executed, with the utterance mark 33 and its duration (5 sec) arranged before and after each scan.

  Further, when the standby mode is set so that the execution of the repeated scan is resumed by the operation of the operator, that is, when “Wait” is in the on state, the CPU 8 as the control unit needs to be resumed by the operator. This is controlled to be displayed on the scan time chart. At this time, since the execution timing of the actual scan is determined by the operation of the operation unit 25 by the operator, an automatic generation function is provided to the operator when the desired time for repeated scanning approaches after the start of scanning. It is desirable to notify the user by voice or by displaying video on the display 20 constituting the GUI.

  The scan used for dynamic measurement is configured so that the imaging parameters (TR, TE, number of slices, etc.) for planning contrast dynamic measurement can be changed on the dynamic measurement setting screen displayed on the display 20. Also good. When the scan time is changed by an imaging parameter change input for planning contrast dynamic measurement from the operation unit 25, the CPU 8 performs control so that the changed content is reflected in the scan time chart.

  FIG. 3B shows an example of a GUI for creating a scan plan in the MRI apparatus in the present embodiment. In the figure, an area 34 is an area for setting the number of scan sets. Then, the number of repetitions for each set, a repetition interval that is an empty time between a plurality of scans, etc. are set, and dynamic measurement is planned, that is, the area 35 is each scan set, that is, Pre-Cont., Early Post Cont., Indicates the area for setting the number of repetitions in Late Post Cont. Here, Pre-Cont., Early Post Cont., Late Post Cont. Are respectively the first set for the purpose of measurement before injection of the contrast agent, the second set for the purpose of measurement immediately after the injection of the contrast agent, A third set for the purpose of late measurement after contrast agent injection is shown. An area 36 is an area for setting an imaging delay time (delay time), a repetition time (gap time) that is a free time between a plurality of scans, and a wait in each set described above. An area 37 indicates an area for setting a type of automatic voice (Auto Voice) before and after scanning. In the case of “test” set in the area 37 shown in FIG. 3B, an utterance time of 5 sec is set before and after each scan, but utterance occurs only before the start of scanning, and utterance occurs only at the end of scanning. It is possible to change. FIG. 3B illustrates the case where the wait shown in the area 36 is off. As described above, when the wait of the area 36 is set to ON, it is displayed on the scan time chart that the restart by the operator is necessary.

  Next, FIG. 3C shows an example of a GUI screen change when the number of scan sets in the area 34 is changed from 2 to 3. In (a) of FIG. 3C, the number of scan sets is 2, and Pre-Cont. And Early Cont. Are displayed in the scan time chart. However, when this number of scan sets is changed to 3, ( As shown in b), scan time charts, delay time, gap time, and wait information for Late Post Cont. are additionally displayed in areas 38 and 39.

  Also, as shown in Fig. 3D, if the number of repetitions is changed and Pre-Cont. = 5, Early Post Cont. = 5, the scan time chart will be repeated 10 times in total, The scan shown in the area 40 is displayed 10 times, and “#xxx” indicates how many times each scan is repeated.

  Furthermore, as shown in (a) of Fig. 3E, when delay time, which is the time until the first scan in the scan set starts, is set in area 36, the value is displayed on the time axis of the scan time chart. The Then, as shown in (b) of FIG. 3E, when there are a plurality of scan sets, a delay time is set in the corresponding area 36 of the scan set of Late Post Cont. The value is displayed. Also, as shown in (a) of FIG. 3E, when gap time, which is the free time from the end of the scan to the start of the next scan, is set in the area 36, the scan start time interval, the start time that is the base point 1 is calculated using the scan time, delay time and gap time of each scan, and is automatically displayed on the scan time chart. This makes it easier for the operator to grasp the entire examination.

  Next, changes in the setting screen with the passage of time after the start of the contrast dynamic measurement examination in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. When the examination starts and the contrast medium is injected, the CPU 8 displays a count display 41 indicating the time from the contrast medium injection to the start of scanning on the dynamic measurement setting screen. As shown in FIG. 4 (a), the start time of each scan that is repeatedly executed is displayed on the count display 41, and the current time counted by a triangle (▲) mark on the time axis of the scan time chart is displayed. indicate. When the inspection progresses as time passes, as shown in Fig. 4 (b), for the completed scan, a count display that notifies the time until the start, that is, a count display before the triangular mark that displays the current time Are sequentially deleted, and a count display 41 after the current time is displayed.

  As described above, in the MRI apparatus of the present embodiment, the scan time chart showing the scan execution timing including the idle time of contrast dynamic measurement, the execution time of the automatic speech function, the waiting state for the operator to resume scanning, etc. By showing the time chart in the measurement state, the operator can easily grasp the entire inspection, and the progress of the inspection can be managed on the time chart, so that the operator's work can be reliably performed.

  That is, according to the MRI apparatus of the present embodiment, the examination plan can be facilitated in the examination of contrast dynamic measurement, and the overall configuration of the examination and the progress at the time of execution can be easily grasped.

  In the second embodiment, when an instruction to add a new scan is given, the control unit adds a new scan without changing the start times of a plurality of scans planned as contrast-enhanced dynamic measurement. It is an Example of the MRI apparatus which can be controlled to perform a display. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when there is a possibility that the start time of a plurality of scans planned as contrast dynamic measurement may be changed by changing the imaging parameter of the scan to be added from the operation unit, the recommended imaging parameter is set. It is the Example of the MRI apparatus which can propose a value.

  The second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. The difference from the first embodiment is that it has a function that enables a new scan to be added to a free time after planning contrast-enhanced dynamic measurement, and the following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Explanation of portions overlapping with the configuration / function of the first embodiment, such as the overall configuration of the apparatus shown in FIG.

  In the processing flow of the MRI apparatus in FIG. 5, before the start of the contrast dynamic measurement examination, in step S51, the operator selects the scan set as the contrast dynamic measurement, and the CPU 8 performs FIG. Control is performed so as to activate a dynamic measurement setting screen based on a scan time chart indicating idle time which is a scan interval of a plurality of scans as shown.

  In step S52, the operator uses the operation unit 25 to select a scan addition target free time in order to add an arbitrary scan (sequence) to the free time of the repeated scan of contrast dynamic measurement. For example, the idle time can be selected on the time axis of the scan time chart detailed in the first embodiment. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the display and selection method of the free time in which the scan can be added is controlled to display the “Add Scan” button 61 in the free time on the scan time chart, and the operator can select a desired time. It may be realized by selecting the button 61 of the free time. In step S53, the operator selects a scan that can be added to the free time selected by the button 61 or the like from the list displayed on the display 20.

  FIG. 7 shows a specific example of display of a list from which an operator selects a scan. As shown in the figure, a scan list 71, an addable time 72, and the like are displayed, and the scan list 71 shows its name, scan time, and sequence type. The scan list 71 displays more scans as the free time becomes longer. As shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 7, a plurality of scans may be added as long as they are within the free time according to the length of the addable time 72.

  In step S54 of FIG. 5, when the scan to be added is confirmed by the operator's selection, the scan information (scan interval, scan start time interval, scan start time, scan time) of what is selected as the addition target on the scan time chart Is additionally displayed, the CPU 8 controls to update the scan time chart.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of an updated scan time chart under the control of the CPU 8. As can be seen from a comparison between FIG. 6 and FIG. 8, in FIG. 8, MRA Scan 81 having a new scan time of 6 minutes and 5 seconds is added, and accordingly, scan information such as a scan interval is updated.

  In step S55 in FIG. 5, if necessary, the operator changes the imaging parameters of the scan newly added in step S54. In order to change this imaging parameter, the operator clicks MRA Scan 81, which is scan information added on the scan time chart displayed on the display 20, for example, and parameter setting as shown in FIG. The screen 91 may be activated and displayed. Such a parameter setting image 91 is used in the current MRI apparatus, and the description of the parameter setting image 91 is omitted here.

  In step S56, the CPU 8, which is the control unit, determines whether or not the scan time exceeds the idle time, and the scan time is set by changing the imaging parameter of the newly added scan by the operator in step S55. If it exceeds and becomes longer than the idle time, in step S57, the operator is informed that this parameter change is not acceptable, and proposes parameter values within the changeable range. Note that the warning / suggestion means may display the warning / suggestion screen 101 superimposed on the parameter setting screen 91 as shown in FIG. On the warning / suggestion screen 101 shown in FIG. 10, an input parameter TR = 75 is displayed as an “input parameter error”, and a display suggesting TR = 50 as a possible input value is displayed. Is going.

  In the description of the present embodiment, the processing flow shown in FIG. 5, that is, the processing for adding a scan to the idle time has been described as before the start of contrast dynamic measurement inspection, but the processing described above after starting the inspection. You may implement a flow.

  According to the present embodiment, the operator can easily add a new desired scan using the free time of the contrast dynamic measurement without changing the originally scheduled start time of the repeated scan.

  In the third embodiment, by setting the scan priority in advance, the control unit adds a new scan within the possible range of contrast dynamic measurement based on the preset scan priority. It is an Example of the MRI apparatus controlled to do.

  Example 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. The difference between the present embodiment and the second embodiment is that the operator decides a desired inspection to be added to the idle time in advance and selects it based on the preset scanning priority. This is the part that automatically adds scans that can be added to the free time of contrast dynamic measurement. Therefore, the feature points will be mainly described, and the description of the parts overlapping with the first and second embodiments such as the overall configuration of the apparatus in FIG. 1 will be omitted.

  First, in step S111 in FIG. 11, the operator selects a scan to be added by contrast dynamic measurement from the list of registered scans, and sets each priority on the setting screen 121 shown in FIG. 12, for example. As apparent from FIG. 12, the difference from the list of FIG. 7 is that an additional priority is added to the list. Note that the scan selection state and the priority order may be set for each examination region or for each scan set as contrast dynamic measurement.

  In step S112 in FIG. 11, the operator selects a scan set as contrast contrast dynamic measurement, and activates a dynamic measurement setting screen 131 based on a scan time chart, an example of which is shown in FIG.

  In step S113, the operator instructs and executes scan addition to a selected vacant time from a plurality of vacant times on the dynamic measurement setting screen 131. Execution of scan addition may be executed, for example, from an “add scan to empty time” button arranged at the lower left in the dynamic measurement screen 131 based on the scan time chart of FIG.

  In step S114, when the CPU 8 of the MRI apparatus receives a scan addition request from the operator, a scan with the highest priority is selected from a preset list of additional scans as shown in FIG. The search target is set, and the search is started in step S115. In step S116, a search is made from the contrast dynamic measurement based on the scan time chart for a free time that can be added, that is, it is determined whether there is a free time longer than the scan time of the scan to be searched. As a result, when there is no free time that can be added, the free time is searched in S119 and S120 for the next highest priority scan.

  When an available free time is found in step S116, a scan is added to the free time in step S117, and the contrast dynamic measurement scan plan is updated in step S118. At this time, the scan time chart is also updated.

  Then, by repeating steps S114 to S120 until it is determined in step S119 that there is no scan set with a preset priority order, a desired scan is added within a range that can be added to the free time.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of a scan time chart updated by the configuration of the present embodiment. As is clear from the comparison between FIG. 12 and the setting screen 121 in FIG. 12, scans 141, 142, and 143 with the addition priorities 1, 2, and 4 are added on the setting screen 121, and the scan with the addition priority 3 is performed. Some T2WIs are not eligible for addition because no free time was found.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, the operator sets the scan priority in advance, so that a new scan can be performed within the available time based on the set scan priority. Therefore, a desired scan can be added using the GUI without being conscious of the scan timing of contrast dynamic measurement, and as a result, the examination efficiency of the MRI apparatus can be improved.

  Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail for better understanding of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Further, a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment, and the configuration of another embodiment can be added to the configuration of one embodiment. Further, it is possible to add, delete, and replace other configurations for a part of the configuration of each embodiment.

  Further, the above-described configuration, function, processing unit, and the like have been described as an example of creating a program that realizes part or all of them. Needless to say, it can be realized with this.

1 Subject
2 Static magnetic field generation system
3 Gradient magnetic field generation system
4 Sequencer
5 Transmission system
6 Receiving system
7 Signal processing system
8 Central processing unit (CPU)
9 Gradient coil
10 Gradient magnetic field power supply
11 High frequency transmitter
12 Modulator
13 High frequency amplifier
14a High frequency coil (transmitting coil)
14b High frequency coil (receiver coil)
15 Signal amplifier
16 quadrature detector
17 A / D converter
18 Magnetic disk
19 Optical disc
20 displays
21 ROM
22 RAM
23 Trackball or mouse
24 keyboard
25 Operation unit
31 Scan Start Time
32 Scan Start Interval Time
41 Count display
61 Add Scan button
71 Scan list
72 Available time
81 MRA Scan
91 Parameter setting screen
101 Warning / suggestion screen
121, 131 setting screen
141, 142, 143 scans

Claims (7)

A uniform static magnetic field in a space for accommodating the subject, a gradient magnetic field superimposed on the static magnetic field, and a magnetic field generator for generating a high-frequency magnetic field for irradiating the subject;
A detection unit that detects a nuclear magnetic resonance (hereinafter referred to as NMR) signal generated from the subject as an echo signal;
An image processing unit for imaging the detected echo signal;
A graphical user interface (hereinafter referred to as GUI) for displaying a plurality of scans and free times between the plurality of scans;
The magnetic field generation unit, the detection unit, the image processing unit, and a control unit for controlling the GUI,
The control unit controls display of idle times between the plurality of scans and the plurality of scans by the GUI based on imaging parameters.
A magnetic resonance imaging (hereinafter referred to as MRI) apparatus. The MRI apparatus according to claim 1,
The imaging parameter is an imaging parameter for planning contrast dynamic measurement,
An MRI apparatus characterized by that. The MRI apparatus according to claim 2,
When an instruction to add a new scan is given from the GUI, the control unit controls to add the new scan without changing the start time of the plurality of scans and to perform display by the GUI.
An MRI apparatus characterized by that. The MRI apparatus according to claim 2,
The control unit performs control so that a recommended imaging parameter value is proposed by the GUI when there is a possibility that start times of the plurality of scans are changed due to the imaging parameter change from the GUI.
An MRI apparatus characterized by that. The MRI apparatus according to claim 3,
The control unit controls to add the new scan as much as possible in the idle time based on the preset priority of the new scan.
An MRI apparatus characterized by that. A method for controlling an MRI apparatus, comprising:
The MRI apparatus is
A uniform static magnetic field in a space for accommodating the subject, a gradient magnetic field superimposed on the static magnetic field, and a high-frequency magnetic field irradiated to the subject, and detecting an NMR signal generated from the subject as an echo signal, Imaging the detected echo signal;
Display the multiple scans and the free time between the multiple scans using the GUI,
Based on the imaging parameters for planning contrast dynamic measurement, the display of the free time between the plurality of scans and the plurality of scans by the GUI is controlled.
A method for controlling an MRI apparatus. A method for controlling an MRI apparatus according to claim 6,
The MRI apparatus, when instructed to add a new scan, controls to add the new scan without changing the start time of the plurality of scans and to display the GUI.
A method for controlling an MRI apparatus.

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