JP2018030007A - Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus which allows an operator to easily select an object part to be an imaging object.SOLUTION: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 includes a detection section and a selection section. The detection section defines at least one of an intervertebral disc and a vertebral body as an object part, detects object part information indicating the position and the direction of each of a plurality of object parts included in a backbone on the basis of the image in which the backbone of an analyte is drawn, and obtains at least one of an interval between the object parts and overlapping of imaging regions relating to the object parts. The selection section selects the object part of the imaging object from among the plurality of object parts on the basis of at least one of the interval between the object parts and the overlapping of imaging regions relating to the object parts, which are selected by the detection part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.

  Conventionally, in the examination of an intervertebral disc using a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, a cross-sectional image that is parallel to the disc and includes the intervertebral disc is taken. In such examinations, for example, a method is known in which a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus automatically detects a plurality of intervertebral discs from an image of a spine of a subject and sets an imaging region in each intervertebral disc. A method of detecting a plurality of vertebral bodies and setting an imaging region for each vertebral body is also known. In examinations using these methods, generally, after an operator detects at least one of an intervertebral disc and a vertebral body as a target site, a number corresponding to the imaging protocol is detected from the detected target sites. Only the target part to be imaged is selected.

JP 2012-045192 A JP 2005-237968 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus in which an operator can easily select a target region to be imaged.

  A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus according to an embodiment includes a detection unit and a selection unit. The detection unit sets target site information indicating positions and orientations of a plurality of target sites included in the spine based on an image in which at least one of an intervertebral disc and a vertebral body is set as a target site and the spine of the subject is depicted. And detecting at least one of an interval between the plurality of target portions and an overlap of the imaging regions regarding the plurality of target portions. The selection unit picks up images from among the plurality of target portions based on at least one of the intervals between the plurality of target portions and the overlap of the imaging regions related to the plurality of target portions obtained by the detection unit. Select the target site.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the MRI apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the MRI apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display of the imaging region performed by the display control unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining reselection of the intervertebral disc performed by the reception unit and the selection unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of an imaging region setting method performed by the MRI apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of an imaging region setting method performed by the MRI apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display of the imaging region performed by the display control unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of an imaging region setting method performed by the MRI apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display of the imaging region performed by the display control unit according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the reselection of the intervertebral disc performed by the selection unit and the reception unit according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of an imaging region setting method performed by the MRI apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram (1) for explaining detection of overlapping of imaging regions performed by the imaging control unit according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram (2) for explaining detection of overlapping of imaging regions performed by the imaging control unit according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram (1) for explaining rotation of the imaging region performed by the imaging control unit according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram (2) for explaining the rotation of the imaging region performed by the imaging control unit according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram (1) for explaining the change of the imaging order performed by the imaging control unit according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram (2) for explaining the change of the imaging order performed by the imaging control unit according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining selection of an intervertebral disc according to a modification of each embodiment.

  Below, based on drawing, the MRI apparatus which concerns on this embodiment is demonstrated in detail.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the MRI apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, this MRI apparatus 100 includes a static magnetic field magnet 1, a gradient magnetic field coil 2, a gradient magnetic field power source 3, a bed 4, a bed control unit 5, a transmission RF coil 6, a transmission unit 7, a reception RF coil 8, A receiving unit 9, a sequence control unit 10, and a computer system 20 are provided.

  The static magnetic field magnet 1 is a magnet formed in a hollow cylindrical shape, and generates a uniform static magnetic field in an internal space. As the static magnetic field magnet 1, for example, a permanent magnet, a superconducting magnet or the like is used.

  The gradient magnetic field coil 2 is a coil formed in a hollow cylindrical shape, and is disposed inside the static magnetic field magnet 1. The gradient magnetic field coil 2 is formed by combining three coils corresponding to the x, y, and z axes orthogonal to each other, and these three coils are individually supplied with current from a gradient magnetic field power source 3 to be described later. In response, a gradient magnetic field is generated in which the magnetic field strength varies along the x, y, and z axes. The z-axis direction is the same direction as the static magnetic field. The gradient magnetic field power supply 3 supplies a current to the gradient magnetic field coil 2.

  Here, the gradient magnetic fields of the x, y, and z axes generated by the gradient magnetic field coil 2 correspond to, for example, the slice selection gradient magnetic field Gss, the phase encoding gradient magnetic field Gpe, and the readout gradient magnetic field Gro. The slice selection gradient magnetic field Gss is used to arbitrarily determine an imaging section. The phase encoding gradient magnetic field Gpe is used to change the phase of the magnetic resonance signal in accordance with the spatial position. The readout gradient magnetic field Gro is used to change the frequency of the magnetic resonance signal in accordance with the spatial position.

  The couch 4 includes a couchtop 4a on which the subject P is placed. Under the control of a couch controller 5 described later, the couchtop 4a is placed in the cavity of the gradient magnetic field coil 2 with the subject P placed thereon. Insert into (imaging port). Usually, the bed 4 is installed such that the longitudinal direction is parallel to the central axis of the static magnetic field magnet 1. The couch controller 5 is a device that controls the couch 4 under the control of the controller 26, and drives the couch 4 to move the couchtop 4a in the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction.

  The transmission RF coil 6 is disposed inside the gradient magnetic field coil 2 and generates an RF (Radio Frequency) pulse (high frequency magnetic field pulse) by a high frequency pulse current supplied from the transmission unit 7. The transmitter 7 supplies a high-frequency pulse current corresponding to the Larmor frequency to the transmission RF coil 6. The reception RF coil 8 is disposed inside the gradient coil 2 and receives a magnetic resonance signal radiated from the subject P due to the influence of the RF pulse. When receiving the magnetic resonance signal, the reception RF coil 8 outputs the magnetic resonance signal to the receiving unit 9.

  The receiving unit 9 generates magnetic resonance (MR) signal data based on the magnetic resonance signal output from the reception RF coil 8. The receiver 9 generates MR signal data by digitally converting the magnetic resonance signal output from the reception RF coil 8. The MR signal data is associated with spatial frequency information in the phase encoding direction, the readout direction, and the slice encoding direction by the above-described slice selection gradient magnetic field Gss, phase encoding gradient magnetic field Gpe, and readout gradient magnetic field Gro. And placed in k-space. When the MR signal data is generated, the receiving unit 9 transmits the MR signal data to the sequence control unit 10.

  The sequence control unit 10 scans the subject P by driving the gradient magnetic field power source 3, the transmission unit 7, and the reception unit 9 based on the sequence execution data transmitted from the computer system 20. The sequence execution data here refers to the strength of the power supplied from the gradient magnetic field power supply 3 to the gradient magnetic field coil 2 and the timing of supplying the power, the strength of the RF signal transmitted from the transmitter 7 to the transmission RF coil 6 and the RF signal. This is information defining a pulse sequence indicating a procedure for performing a scan of the subject P, such as a transmission timing and a timing at which the receiving unit 9 detects a magnetic resonance signal. When the MR signal data is transmitted from the receiving unit 9 after driving the gradient magnetic field power source 3, the transmitting unit 7, and the receiving unit 9 based on the sequence execution data, the sequence control unit 10 calculates the MR signal data. Transfer to system 20.

  The computer system 20 performs overall control of the MRI apparatus 100. For example, the computer system 20 performs scanning of the subject P, image reconstruction, and the like by driving each unit included in the MRI apparatus 100. The computer system 20 includes an interface unit 21, an image reconstruction unit 22, a storage unit 23, an input unit 24, a display unit 25, and a control unit 26.

  The interface unit 21 controls input / output of various signals exchanged with the sequence control unit 10. For example, the interface unit 21 transmits sequence execution data to the sequence control unit 10 and receives MR signal data from the sequence control unit 10. When receiving MR signal data, the interface unit 21 stores each MR signal data in the storage unit 23 for each subject P.

  The image reconstruction unit 22 performs post-processing, that is, reconstruction processing such as Fourier transform, on the MR signal data stored in the storage unit 23, thereby obtaining spectrum data or images of desired nuclear spins in the subject P. Generate data. Further, the image reconstruction unit 22 stores the generated spectrum data or image data in the storage unit 23 for each subject P.

  The storage unit 23 stores various data and various programs necessary for processing executed by the control unit 26 described later. For example, the storage unit 23 stores the MR signal data received by the interface unit 21 and the spectrum data and image data generated by the image reconstruction unit 22 for each subject P. The storage unit 23 is, for example, a semiconductor memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk.

  The input unit 24 receives various instructions and information input from the operator. As the input unit 24, a pointing device such as a mouse or a trackball, a selection device such as a mode change switch, or an input device such as a keyboard can be used as appropriate.

  The display unit 25 displays various types of information such as spectrum data or image data under the control of the control unit 26. As the display unit 25, a display device such as a liquid crystal display can be used.

  The control unit 26 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and the like (not shown), and performs overall control of the MRI apparatus 100. For example, the control unit 26 generates various sequence execution data based on the imaging conditions input from the operator via the input unit 24 and transmits the generated sequence execution data to the sequence control unit 10 to perform scanning. To control. In addition, when MR signal data is sent from the sequence control unit 10 as a result of scanning, the control unit 26 controls the image reconstruction unit 22 to reconstruct an image based on the MR signal data.

  The configuration of the MRI apparatus 100 has been described above. Under such a configuration, the MRI apparatus 100 has a function of detecting a plurality of intervertebral discs from an image in which the spine of the subject is depicted. Conventionally, in such automatic detection of intervertebral discs, all of the intervertebral discs included in the image are detected. Therefore, unless the number of intervertebral discs to be imaged is reduced, the imaging time and the examination time become long. Therefore, in general, after an intervertebral disc has been detected, the operator has selected the intervertebral discs to be imaged from the detected intervertebral discs by the number corresponding to the imaging protocol.

  On the other hand, the MRI apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment selects an imaging target intervertebral disc from a plurality of detected intervertebral discs, information indicating an imaging region related to the imaging target intervertebral disc, and information indicating imaging regions related to other intervertebral discs. Are displayed on the display unit in different display modes. As a result, the operator can easily select the intervertebral disc to be imaged. Hereinafter, the MRI apparatus 100 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the MRI apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 2, among the units included in the computer system 20 illustrated in FIG. 1, the interface unit 21, the storage unit 23, the input unit 24, the display unit 25, and the control unit 26 are illustrated.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the storage unit 23 includes an image storage unit 23a, an intervertebral disc information storage unit 23b, an imaging condition storage unit 23c, and a patient information storage unit 23d.

  The image storage unit 23 a stores the image data generated by the image reconstruction unit 22. In the present embodiment, the image storage unit 23a stores at least a positioning sagittal image in which the spine of the subject is depicted. For example, the positioning sagittal image is a sagittal image that is parallel to a sagittal section including the intervertebral disc and spinal canal of the subject and includes at least the intervertebral disc. This sagittal image for positioning is picked up by a sequence capable of picking up an intervertebral disc with a high signal value as compared with a vertebral body, such as an FE (Field Echo) sequence.

  The disc information storage unit 23b stores disc information detected from an image in which the spine of the subject is depicted. In this embodiment, the disc information storage unit 23b stores disc information detected from the positioning sagittal image stored by the image storage unit 23a. The intervertebral disc information here is information indicating the position and orientation of the intervertebral disc. For example, the first vector indicating the orientation of the intervertebral disc, the coordinates indicating the starting position of the first vector, or the second vector (predetermined reference) A vector starting from the position).

  The imaging condition storage unit 23c stores imaging conditions related to various imaging methods and various pulse sequences for each imaging protocol. The imaging conditions here include, for example, repetition time (TR) and echo time (TE: Echo Time), the number of matrices, the length, width and thickness of the imaging region, and the number of slices in the imaging region. Imaging parameters are included. The imaging conditions include imaging methods (pulse sequence types such as spin echo method and EPI (Echo Planar Imaging) method), types, number and order of prepulses such as fat suppression pulses and inversion pulses, and imaging order of imaging regions. Etc. are included. When imaging an intervertebral disc, the imaging conditions include the number of intervertebral discs to be imaged. An imaging region including a plurality of slices is also called a slice group or slab.

  The patient information storage unit 23d stores patient information related to the subject. The patient information here is, for example, subject identification information, name, age, height, weight, and the like.

  The control unit 26 includes a detection unit 26a, a selection unit 26b, a display control unit 26c, a reception unit 26d, and an imaging control unit 26e.

  The detection unit 26a detects intervertebral disc information indicating the position and orientation of each intervertebral disc for each of a plurality of intervertebral discs based on an image depicting the spine of the subject. In the present embodiment, the detection unit 26a detects intervertebral disc information based on the positioning sagittal image stored in the image storage unit 23a. Then, the detection unit 26a stores the detected intervertebral disc information in the intervertebral disc information storage unit 23b. Here, various methods can be used as an intervertebral disc detection method used by the detection unit 26a.

  For example, the detection unit 26a detects intervertebral disc information by a method using a plurality of sagittal images of the subject. In this method, the detection unit 26a extracts a spine region from each of a plurality of sagittal images that are parallel to the sagittal section including the intervertebral disc and spinal canal of the subject and include at least the intervertebral disc. The detection unit 26a extracts a two-dimensional intervertebral disc region from each of the extracted plurality of spine regions. Then, the detection unit 26a extracts a three-dimensional intervertebral disc region that spans a plurality of sagittal images based on the plurality of extracted two-dimensional intervertebral disc regions.

  The selection unit 26b selects an intervertebral disc to be imaged from a plurality of intervertebral discs based on the disc information detected by the detection unit 26a. In this embodiment, the selection unit 26b selects the intervertebral discs to be imaged by the number of intervertebral discs stored by the imaging condition storage unit 23c. For example, the selection unit 26b, based on the intervertebral disc information detected by the detection unit 26a, among the plurality of intervertebral discs included in the positioning sagittal image, the intervertebral disc stored by the imaging condition storage unit 23c from the upper side (head side). Select as many discs as possible. Alternatively, the selection unit 26b may select an intervertebral disc from the lower side (foot side) among the plurality of intervertebral discs, or may select an intervertebral disc from the vicinity of the center among the plurality of intervertebral discs. Furthermore, the selection unit 26b newly selects an intervertebral disc to be imaged in accordance with a selection operation received by the reception unit 26d described later.

  The display control unit 26c includes, for a plurality of intervertebral discs for which intervertebral disc information has been detected by the detection unit 26a, information indicating an imaging region related to the imaging target disc selected by the selection unit 26b, and information indicating imaging regions related to other intervertebral discs. Are displayed on the display unit 25 in different display modes. That is, the display control unit 26c distinguishes between an imaging region related to an imaging target intervertebral disc and an imaging region related to an intervertebral disc that is not an imaging target, and displays them on the display unit 25.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display of the imaging region performed by the display control unit 26c according to the first embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the display control unit 26c includes a text box 31 that displays the number of intervertebral discs to be imaged, a button 32 for receiving an instruction to move up the intervertebral disc to be imaged, A button 33 for receiving an instruction to move down the intervertebral disc and a positioning sagittal image 34 are displayed. Here, the display control unit 26c acquires the number of intervertebral discs stored by the imaging condition storage unit 23c, and displays the acquired number of intervertebral discs in the text box 31.

  In addition, the display control unit 26c displays an imaging region related to each intervertebral disk on the positioning sagittal image 34 with a rectangular graphic. Such a graphic is also called ROI (Region Of Interest). FIG. 3 shows an example in which the number of intervertebral discs to be imaged is five. In this case, for example, the display control unit 26c displays, in a different display mode, graphics 35a to 35e related to the intervertebral disc to be imaged and graphics 35f to 35i related to other intervertebral discs not to be imaged. At this time, for example, the display control unit 26c may change the color of the graphic, or may change the thickness and type (such as a solid line and a dotted line) of the line.

  The imaging control unit 26e controls the sequence control unit 10 so as to collect data of the imaging region related to the intervertebral disc to be imaged selected by the selection unit 26b. Specifically, the imaging control unit 26e generates sequence execution data for collecting data of imaging regions related to the selected imaging discs based on the imaging conditions stored in the imaging condition storage unit 23c. The generated sequence execution data is transmitted to the sequence control unit 10.

  The receiving unit 26d receives a selection operation for selecting an intervertebral disc to be imaged from the operator. Specifically, the receiving unit 26 d receives an operation for selecting information representing an imaging region related to the intervertebral disc displayed on the display unit 25 via the input unit 24. For example, the accepting unit 26d accepts an operation of designating one or the other direction along the arrangement direction of the plurality of intervertebral discs as the selection operation for selecting the intervertebral disc to be imaged.

  In this case, for example, when the selection operation is received by the reception unit 26d, the selection unit 26b is designated by the selection operation on the intervertebral disc that has been selected as the imaging target before the selection operation is received. Including the intervertebral discs located on the orientation side, toward the opposite side of the orientation specified by the selection operation, as many as the number of intervertebral discs selected as the imaging target before the selection operation is accepted. Select a new disc. That is, the selection unit 26b moves the intervertebral disc to be imaged along the disc disposition direction while maintaining the number of intervertebral discs selected as the imaging target first among the intervertebral discs detected by the detection unit 26a. Then, when the intervertebral disc to be imaged is changed by the selection unit 26b, the display control unit 26c changes the graphic display mode related to each intervertebral disc accordingly.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining reselection of the intervertebral disc performed by the reception unit 26d and the selection unit 26b according to the first embodiment. The text box 31, buttons 32 and 33, positioning sagittal image 34, and graphics 35a to 35i shown in FIG. 4 are the same as those shown in FIG. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the reception unit 26 d receives an operation for designating the button 32 or 33 displayed on the display unit 25 with the mouse pointer 36 or the like from the operator.

  Here, for example, when the button 33 (move down) is designated in the state shown in FIG. 3, the selection unit 26 b sets the imaging target before the button 33 is designated as shown in FIG. 4. Including the intervertebral disc corresponding to the graphic 35f located immediately below the intervertebral disc corresponding to each of the selected graphics 35a to 35e, it was selected as the imaging target before the button 33 was designated upward. As many as the number of intervertebral discs, the discs to be imaged are newly selected. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, the intervertebral disc corresponding to each of the graphics 35b to 35f is newly selected as an imaging target. Along with this, the display control unit 26c displays the graphics 35b to 35f related to the intervertebral disc newly selected as the imaging target in a display mode indicating that it is the imaging target, and the graphic 35a related to the other intervertebral discs and 35g to 35i are displayed in a display mode indicating that they are not imaging targets. The selection unit 26b and the display control unit 26c perform the same process every time the button 33 is designated by the operator. Thus, every time the button 33 is designated by the operator, the intervertebral disc selected as the selection target moves downward while keeping the number constant.

  On the other hand, for example, when the button 32 (move up) is designated in the state shown in FIG. 4, the selection unit 26b selects each of the graphics 35b to 35f selected as the imaging target before the button 32 is designated. Including the intervertebral disk corresponding to the graphic 35a located immediately above the intervertebral disk corresponding to, the image is captured in the upward direction by the same number as the number of intervertebral disks selected as the imaging target before the button 32 is designated. A new target disc is selected. As a result, the intervertebral disc corresponding to each of the graphics 35a to 35e is newly selected as an imaging target. Along with this, the display control unit 26c displays the graphics 35a to 35e related to the intervertebral disc newly selected as the imaging target in a display mode indicating that it is the imaging target, and the graphics 35f to about the other intervertebral discs. 35i is displayed in a display mode indicating that it is not an imaging target. The selection unit 26b and the display control unit 26c perform the same process every time the button 32 is designated by the operator. Thus, every time the button 32 is designated by the operator, the intervertebral disc selected as the selection target moves upward while keeping the number constant.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the reception unit 26d receives a selection operation for selecting an intervertebral disc to be imaged from the operator, and the selection unit 26b selects an imaging target according to the selection operation received by the reception unit 26d. Select a new disc. As a result, the operator can select the intervertebral disc again after the intervertebral disc is selected by the selection unit 26b. Also, when the intervertebral disc to be imaged is selected again, the same number of intervertebral discs are selected, so that the intervertebral disc can be reselected while maintaining the imaging time.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of an imaging region setting method performed by the MRI apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 5, in the MRI apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, when the control unit 26 receives an instruction to start setting of an imaging region from the operator (step S101, Yes), the following process is started.

  First, the detection unit 26a detects intervertebral disc information indicating the position and orientation of each intervertebral disc for each of a plurality of intervertebral discs based on an image depicting the spine of the subject (step S102). Thereafter, the selection unit 26b acquires the imaging conditions stored by the imaging condition storage unit 23c (step S103), and selects the number of intervertebral discs to be imaged as many as the number of intervertebral discs included in the acquired imaging conditions (step S104).

  Subsequently, for a plurality of intervertebral discs, the display control unit 26c displays information indicating the imaging region related to the intervertebral disc to be imaged selected by the selection unit 26b and information indicating the imaging region related to other intervertebral discs in different display modes. 25 (step S105).

  Thereafter, when the accepting unit 26d accepts a selection operation for selecting the intervertebral disc to be imaged (step S106, Yes), the selecting unit 26b selects the intervertebral disc to be imaged in accordance with the selection operation accepted by the accepting unit 26d. The selection is re-selected (step S104), and the display control unit 26c changes the display mode of the information representing the imaging region related to each intervertebral disc accordingly (step S105). In this way, while the receiving unit 26d receives a selection operation for selecting an imaging target intervertebral disc, selection of the imaging target intervertebral disc and display change of information on the imaging region are repeated.

  Further, the control unit 26 repeats reception of the disc selection operation by the receiving unit 26d until receiving an instruction to end the setting of the imaging region from the operator (step S107, No). When the control unit 26 receives an instruction to end the setting of the imaging region (step S106, No to step S107, Yes), the selection unit 26b relates to the imaging target disc selected at that time. The imaging area is notified to the imaging control unit 26e. As a result, the imaging control unit 26e collects data of the imaging area related to the intervertebral disc to be imaged.

  As described above, according to the MRI apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, for a plurality of detected intervertebral discs, information indicating an imaging region related to an imaging target intervertebral disc and information indicating an imaging region related to other intervertebral discs. It is displayed on the display unit in a different display mode. For this reason, the operator can easily select the intervertebral disc to be imaged. In addition, in the examination for imaging the intervertebral disc, the operator's effort related to the setting of the imaging area can be reduced, so that the examination throughput can be improved.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, an example in which an intervertebral disc that has failed in detection is complemented will be described. The configuration of the MRI apparatus according to the present embodiment is basically the same as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, but the processing performed by the detection unit 26a is different. Therefore, in the following, the process performed by the detection unit 26a according to the present embodiment will be mainly described.

  The detection unit 26a according to the present embodiment calculates the length of the interval between the intervertebral discs for each set of adjacent intervertebral discs included in the plurality of intervertebral discs, and when the calculated length is greater than the reference value, A process of further detecting intervertebral disc information corresponding to the position between the set of intervertebral discs is performed.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of an imaging region setting method performed by the MRI apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 6, in the MRI apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, when the control unit 26 receives an instruction to start setting of an imaging region from the operator (step S201, Yes), the following process is started.

  First, the detection unit 26a detects intervertebral disc information indicating the position and orientation of each intervertebral disc for each of a plurality of intervertebral discs based on an image depicting the subject's spine (step S202). Thereafter, the detection unit 26a calculates the length of the interval between the discs based on the detected disc information (step S203). At this time, for example, the detection unit 26a uses spline interpolation or the like to smoothly connect the detected positions of the intervertebral discs with an approximate curve. Then, the detection unit 26a calculates the length of the interval between the intervertebral discs for each set of adjacent intervertebral discs along the approximate curve.

  Subsequently, the detecting unit 26a evaluates the calculated interval length for each set of adjacent intervertebral discs based on a preset reference value (step S204). At this time, for example, the detection unit 26a compares the calculated interval length with the reference value for each pair of adjacent intervertebral discs, and determines whether there is a set larger than the reference value.

  Then, when there is a pair for which the length of the interval is determined to be larger than the reference value, the detection unit 26a calculates the number of intervertebral discs that can exist in the interval of the pair (step S205). At this time, for example, the detection unit 26a calculates an average value of the lengths of the intervals in the group in which the length of the intervals is determined to be equal to or less than the reference value. Then, the detection unit 26a divides the length of the interval in the set in which the length of the interval is determined to be larger than the reference value by the calculated average value, and calculates the quotient as the number of intervertebral discs that can exist in the interval. To do.

  Thereafter, the detection unit 26a calculates the position and orientation of the intervertebral disc that has failed to be detected (step S206). At this time, for example, the detection unit 26a divides the approximate curve into the calculated number of intervertebral discs, and calculates the position of the divided boundary as “the position of the intervertebral disc that failed to be detected”. Further, the detection unit 26a calculates the orientation of the plane orthogonal to the approximate curve at the position of the divided boundary as “the orientation of the intervertebral disc that failed to be detected”. The detection unit 26a further stores information indicating the calculated position and orientation in the intervertebral disc information storage unit 23b. Thereby, disc information indicating the position and orientation of the disc that has failed to be detected is detected.

  Thereafter, the selection unit 26b acquires the imaging conditions stored by the imaging condition storage unit 23c (step S207), and selects the intervertebral discs to be imaged as many as the number of intervertebral discs included in the acquired imaging conditions (step S208).

  Subsequently, for a plurality of intervertebral discs, the display control unit 26c displays information indicating the imaging region related to the intervertebral disc to be imaged selected by the selection unit 26b and information indicating the imaging region related to other intervertebral discs in different display modes. 25 (step S209).

  After that, when the receiving unit 26d receives a selection operation for selecting an imaging target intervertebral disc (step S210, Yes), the selection unit 26b selects an imaging target intervertebral disc according to the selection operation received by the receiving unit 26d. The selection is re-selected (step S208), and the display control unit 26c changes the display mode of the information representing the imaging area related to each intervertebral disc accordingly (step S209). In this way, while the receiving unit 26d receives a selection operation for selecting an imaging target intervertebral disc, selection of the imaging target intervertebral disc and display change of information on the imaging region are repeated.

  Further, the control unit 26 repeats the reception of the disc selection operation by the receiving unit 26d until receiving an instruction to end the setting of the imaging region from the operator (step S211, No). And when the control part 26 receives the instruction | indication which complete | finishes the setting of an imaging area (step S210, No-step S211, Yes), the selection part 26b is related with the intervertebral disc of the imaging object currently selected. The imaging area is notified to the imaging control unit 26e. As a result, the imaging control unit 26e collects data of the imaging area related to the intervertebral disc to be imaged.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of display of an imaging region performed by the display control unit 26c according to the second embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the display control unit 26c displays a text box 31, a button 32, a button 33, and a positioning sagittal image 34, as in the example shown in FIG. In addition, the display control unit 26c displays an imaging region related to each intervertebral disk on the positioning sagittal image 34 with a rectangular graphic. FIG. 7 shows an example in which the number of intervertebral discs to be imaged is five.

  Here, for example, the intervertebral disc information corresponding to each of the graphics 45a to 45g shown in FIG. 7 is detected by the detection unit 26a based on the image in which the spine of the subject is depicted, and then the disc that has failed to be detected. It is assumed that the intervertebral disc information corresponding to each of the graphics 45h and 45i is detected as the intervertebral disc information. Further, for example, it is assumed that the intervertebral discs corresponding to the graphics 45b to 45d and 45h are selected as the imaging target intervertebral discs from the intervertebral discs corresponding to the graphics 45a to 45i shown in FIG.

  In this case, the display control unit 26c displays, among the plurality of intervertebral discs, graphics 45b to 45e relating to the intervertebral discs to be imaged and graphics 45a, 45f, 45g, and 45i relating to other intervertebral discs that are not the imaging subject in different display modes. . Further, the display control unit 26c includes the graphics 45b to 45d related to the intervertebral disc detected based on the image of the spine of the subject among the intervertebral discs to be imaged, and the graphic related to the intervertebral disc added as the disc that has failed to be detected. 45h is displayed in a different display mode. Further, the display control unit 26c includes the intervertebral discs that are detected based on the image of the spine of the subject among the intervertebral discs not to be imaged, and intervertebral discs added as intervertebral discs that have failed to be detected. The graphic 45i related to is displayed in a different display mode.

  At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the display control unit 26c changes the line type (solid line, dotted line, etc.) for the graphics 45b to 45e and the graphics 45a, 45f, 45g, and 45i. The display control unit 26c also changes the line thickness for the graphics 45b to 45d and the graphic 45h, and also changes the line thickness for the graphics 45a, 45f and 45g and the graphic 45i.

  As described above, according to the MRI apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment, an intervertebral disc that has failed to be detected can be automatically complemented, so that it is possible to reduce the labor of an operator manually adding an imaging region. Can do.

  In the second embodiment, the example has been described in which the detection unit 26a evaluates the length of the interval between the intervertebral discs using a preset reference value. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the detection unit 26a may use the length of the disc space calculated based on the height of the subject as the reference value. In that case, for example, the detection unit 26a refers to the patient information stored in the patient information storage unit 23d and acquires the height of the subject. For example, the detection unit 26a calculates the number of intervertebral discs appropriate for the acquired height using a calculation formula or the like defined in advance based on an anatomical viewpoint, and uses the calculated number as a reference value.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, an example will be described in which an intervertebral disc having a small interval between adjacent discs in a plurality of detected imaging regions is excluded from imaging. The configuration of the MRI apparatus according to the present embodiment is basically the same as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, but the processing performed by the selection unit 26b is different. Therefore, in the following, the process performed by the selection unit 26b according to the present embodiment will be mainly described.

  The selection unit 26b according to the present embodiment selects an intervertebral disc from among a plurality of intervertebral discs so that the length of the interval between adjacent intervertebral discs is larger than a reference value when selecting the intervertebral disc to be imaged.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of an imaging region setting method performed by the MRI apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 8, in the MRI apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, when the control unit 26 receives an instruction to start setting of an imaging region from the operator (step S301, Yes), the following processing is started.

  First, the detection unit 26a detects intervertebral disc information indicating the position and orientation of each intervertebral disc for each of a plurality of intervertebral discs based on the image depicting the spine of the subject (step S302). Thereafter, the detection unit 26a calculates the length of the interval between the discs based on the detected disc information (step S303). At this time, for example, the detection unit 26a calculates the length of the interval between the intervertebral discs for each set of adjacent intervertebral discs by the method described in the second embodiment.

  Subsequently, the detection unit 26a evaluates the calculated interval length for each set of adjacent intervertebral discs based on a preset reference value (step S304). At this time, for example, the detection unit 26a compares the calculated interval length with the reference value for each pair of adjacent intervertebral discs, and determines whether there is a set larger than the reference value.

  Thereafter, the selection unit 26b acquires the imaging conditions stored by the imaging condition storage unit 23c (step S305), and leaves a larger interval than the preset reference value by the number of intervertebral discs included in the acquired imaging conditions. An intervertebral disc to be imaged is selected (step S306). At this time, for example, the intervertebral disc located on the uppermost side among the intervertebral discs selected as the imaging target is included, and the intervertebral disc is included in the imaging conditions while including an intervertebral disc with a larger interval toward the lower side. As many intervertebral discs as the imaging target are selected. As a result, the selection unit 26b selects an intervertebral disc from a plurality of intervertebral discs so that the length of the interval between adjacent intervertebral discs is larger than the reference value.

  Subsequently, for a plurality of intervertebral discs, the display control unit 26c displays information indicating the imaging region related to the intervertebral disc to be imaged selected by the selection unit 26b and information indicating the imaging region related to other intervertebral discs in different display modes. 25 (step S307).

  After that, when the receiving unit 26d receives a selection operation for selecting an imaging target intervertebral disc (step S308, Yes), the selection unit 26b selects an imaging target intervertebral disc in accordance with the selection operation received by the receiving unit 26d. The selection is re-selected (step S306), and the display control unit 26c changes the display mode of the information representing the imaging area related to each intervertebral disc accordingly (step S307). In this way, while the receiving unit 26d receives a selection operation for selecting an imaging target intervertebral disc, selection of the imaging target intervertebral disc and display change of information on the imaging region are repeated.

  Further, the control unit 26 repeats reception of the disc selection operation by the receiving unit 26d until receiving an instruction to end the setting of the imaging region from the operator (step S309, No). And when the control part 26 receives the instruction | indication which complete | finishes the setting of an imaging area (step S308, No-step S309, Yes), the selection part 26b is related with the intervertebral disk of the imaging object selected at that time. The imaging area is notified to the imaging control unit 26e. As a result, the imaging control unit 26e collects data of the imaging region regarding the intervertebral disc to be imaged.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display of the imaging region performed by the display control unit 26c according to the third embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the display control unit 26c displays a text box 31, a button 32, a button 33, and a positioning sagittal image 34, as in the example shown in FIG. In addition, the display control unit 26c displays an imaging region related to each intervertebral disk on the positioning sagittal image 34 with a rectangular graphic. FIG. 9 shows an example in which the number of intervertebral discs to be imaged is five.

  Here, for example, it is assumed that intervertebral disc information corresponding to each of the graphics 55a to 55i shown in FIG. 9 is detected by the detection unit 26a based on an image depicting the spine of the subject. Further, for example, the selection unit 26b selects the intervertebral discs corresponding to the graphics 55a, 55b, 55d, 55f, and 55g as the intervertebral discs to be imaged from the intervertebral discs corresponding to the graphics 55a to 55i shown in FIG. Assume that the intervertebral discs corresponding to the graphics 55c and 55e are not selected.

  In this case, the display control unit 26c displays graphics 55a, 55b, 55d, 55f, and 55g related to the imaging target intervertebral disc and graphics 55c, 55e, 55h, and 55i related to other discs that are not the imaging target among the plurality of intervertebral discs. Display in different display modes. Further, the display control unit 26c displays the graphics 55c and 55e related to the intervertebral discs that are not selected by the selection unit 26b and the graphics 55h and 55i related to other intervertebral discs in different display modes among the discs that are not imaging targets. .

  At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, the display control unit 26c determines the line types (solid line, dotted line, etc.) for the graphics 55a, 55b, 55d, 55f, and 55g and the graphics 55c, 55e, 55h, and 55i. change. Further, the display control unit 26c changes the line thickness for the graphics 55c and 55e and the graphics 55h and 55i.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining reselection of the intervertebral disc performed by the selection unit 26b and the reception unit 26d according to the third embodiment. The text box 31, the buttons 32 and 33, the positioning sagittal image 34, and the graphics 55a to 55i shown in FIG. 10 are the same as those shown in FIG. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the reception unit 26 d receives an operation for designating the button 32 or 33 displayed on the display unit 25 with the mouse pointer 36 or the like from the operator.

  Here, for example, when the button 33 (move down) is designated in the state shown on the left side of FIG. 10, the selection unit 26b before the button 33 is designated as shown on the right side of FIG. The button 33 is designated upward, including the intervertebral disk corresponding to the graphic 55h located immediately below the intervertebral disk corresponding to each of the graphics 55a, 55b, 55d, 55f and 55g selected as the imaging target. As many as five intervertebral discs previously selected as imaging targets are selected as imaging target intervertebral discs. At this time, the selection unit 26b newly selects the intervertebral disc to be imaged while leaving an interval larger than the reference value. As a result, for example, as shown on the right side of FIG. 10, the intervertebral disc corresponding to each of the graphics 55c and 55e to 55h is newly selected as an imaging target. Accordingly, the display control unit 26c displays the intervertebral discs 55c and 55e to 55h newly selected as the imaging target in a display mode indicating that the imaging target is selected, and the other intervertebral disc graphics. 55a, 55b, 55d and 55i are displayed in a display mode indicating that they are not imaging targets. The selection unit 26b and the display control unit 26c perform the same process every time the button 33 is designated by the operator. As a result, each time the button 33 is designated by the operator, the intervertebral disc selected as the selection target moves downward with a larger interval than the reference value while keeping the number constant.

  On the other hand, for example, when the button 32 (move up) is designated in the state shown on the right side of FIG. 10, the selection unit 26b selects the graphic 55c selected as the imaging target before the button 32 is designated and Including the intervertebral disc corresponding to the graphic 55b located immediately above the intervertebral disc corresponding to each of 55e to 55h, the same number 5 as the number of intervertebral discs selected as the imaging target before the button 32 is designated. Therefore, a new intervertebral disc to be imaged is selected. As a result, for example, the intervertebral discs corresponding to the graphics 55b, 55d, 55f, 55g, and 55h are newly selected as imaging targets. Along with this, the display control unit 26c displays the graphics 55b, 55d, 55f, 55g, and 55h relating to the intervertebral disc newly selected as the imaging target in a display mode that indicates the imaging target, and otherwise. Graphics 55a, 55c, 55e and 55i related to the intervertebral discs are displayed in a display mode indicating that they are not imaging targets. The selection unit 26b and the display control unit 26c perform the same process every time the button 32 is designated by the operator. As a result, each time the button 32 is designated by the operator, the intervertebral disc selected as the selection target moves upward with a larger interval than the reference value while keeping the number constant.

  As described above, according to the MRI apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment, an intervertebral disc having a small distance between adjacent discs in a plurality of detected imaging regions is automatically excluded from imaging. In addition, it is possible to reduce the labor for the operator to manually adjust the interval between the imaging regions.

  In the third embodiment, the example in which the selection unit 26b selects the intervertebral disc to be imaged so as to leave an interval larger than a preset reference value has been described. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. Absent. For example, the selection unit 26b may use the length of the intervertebral disc interval calculated based on the height of the subject as the reference value. In this case, for example, the selection unit 26b refers to the patient information stored in the patient information storage unit 23d and acquires the height of the subject. For example, the selection unit 26b calculates the number of intervertebral discs appropriate for the acquired height using a calculation formula or the like defined in advance based on an anatomical viewpoint, and uses the calculated number as a reference value.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, an example of avoiding overlapping of imaging areas in a plurality of detected imaging areas will be described. The configuration of the MRI apparatus according to the present embodiment is basically the same as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, but the processing performed by the imaging control unit 26e is different. Therefore, the following description will be focused on the processing performed by the imaging control unit 26e according to the present embodiment.

  The imaging control unit 26e according to the present embodiment detects an overlap of imaging regions related to the imaging target intervertebral disc selected by the selection unit based on the disc information detected by the detection unit 26a, and the overlap is detected. In this case, the imaging region related to the intervertebral disc to be imaged is rotated so that the overlap does not occur.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of an imaging region setting method performed by the MRI apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 11, in the MRI apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, when the control unit 26 receives an instruction to start setting of an imaging region from the operator (step S401, Yes), the following process is started.

  First, the detection unit 26a detects intervertebral disc information indicating the position and orientation of each intervertebral disc for each of a plurality of intervertebral discs based on an image depicting the spine of the subject (step S402). Thereafter, the selection unit 26b acquires the imaging conditions stored by the imaging condition storage unit 23c (step S403), and selects the number of intervertebral discs to be imaged as many as the number of intervertebral discs included in the acquired imaging conditions (step S404).

  Subsequently, the imaging control unit 26e detects an overlap of imaging regions related to the intervertebral disc selected by the selection unit 26b (step S405). At this time, for example, the imaging control unit 26e acquires the imaging conditions stored by the imaging condition storage unit 23c, and is selected by the selection unit 26b with the length, width, and thickness of the imaging region included in the acquired imaging conditions. Based on the intervertebral disc information indicating the position and orientation of the intervertebral disc, the overlap of the imaging regions related to the intervertebral disc to be imaged is detected.

  Then, when the imaging region overlap in the imaging target intervertebral disc is detected, the imaging control unit 26e rotates the imaging region related to the imaging target intervertebral disc so that the overlap does not occur (step S406).

  Subsequently, for a plurality of intervertebral discs, the display control unit 26c displays information indicating the imaging region related to the intervertebral disc to be imaged selected by the selection unit 26b and information indicating the imaging region related to other intervertebral discs in different display modes. 25 (step S407).

  After that, when the receiving unit 26d receives a selection operation for selecting an imaging target intervertebral disc (step S408, Yes), the selection unit 26b selects an imaging target intervertebral disc according to the selection operation received by the receiving unit 26d. Select again (step S404). Thereafter, the imaging control unit 26e detects again the overlap of the imaging areas related to the intervertebral disc to be imaged (step S405), and rotates the imaging area so that the overlap does not exist (step S406). In addition, the display control unit 26c changes the display mode of information representing the imaging area related to each intervertebral disc accordingly (step S407). In this way, while the receiving unit 26d receives a selection operation for selecting an imaging target intervertebral disc, selection of the imaging target intervertebral disc and display change of information on the imaging region are repeated.

  Further, the control unit 26 repeats the reception of the disc selection operation by the receiving unit 26d until receiving an instruction to end the setting of the imaging region from the operator (step S409, No). And when the control part 26 receives the instruction | indication which complete | finishes the setting of an imaging area (step S408, No-step S409, Yes), the selection part 26b is related with the intervertebral disk of the imaging object currently selected. The imaging area is notified to the imaging control unit 26e. As a result, the imaging control unit 26e collects data of the imaging area related to the intervertebral disc to be imaged.

  12 and 13 are diagrams for explaining detection of overlapping of imaging regions performed by the imaging control unit 26e according to the fourth embodiment. For example, it is assumed that intervertebral disc information corresponding to each of the graphics 65a to 65i shown in FIG. 12 is detected by the detection unit 26a based on an image depicting the spine of the subject. Further, for example, it is assumed that the intervertebral disc corresponding to each of the graphics 65b to 65f is selected from the intervertebral discs corresponding to the respective graphics 65a to 65i shown in FIG.

  Here, for example, among the intervertebral discs corresponding to each of the graphics 65b to 65f selected as the imaging target, as shown inside the ellipse shown in FIG. 12, the imaging region of the intervertebral disc corresponding to the graphic 65d and the graphic 65e And the imaging area of the intervertebral disc corresponding to the graphic 65f and the imaging area of the intervertebral disc corresponding to the graphic 65f.

  In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, the imaging control unit 26e rotates each of the imaging areas of the intervertebral disc corresponding to the graphic 65d and the imaging area of the intervertebral disc corresponding to the graphic 65f. Avoid the overlap that was happening. For example, the imaging control unit 26e rotates one or both of the imaging areas so that the angle formed by the surfaces of the two overlapping imaging areas is reduced. At this time, it is desirable for the imaging control unit 26e to rotate the imaging region within a range where the intervertebral disc is within the thickness of the imaging region. For example, the imaging control unit 26e rotates the imaging area within a preset range.

  For example, the imaging control unit 26e determines the imaging region related to the intervertebral disc located in the center among the imaging target discs selected by the selection unit 26b as the reference imaging region. At this time, when there are an even number of intervertebral discs to be imaged, the imaging control unit 26e determines one of the two imaging regions located near the center as a reference imaging region. Then, when the reference imaging region and the imaging region adjacent to the reference imaging region overlap with each other, the imaging control unit 26e obtains a rotation angle for eliminating the overlap.

  14 and 15 are diagrams for explaining the rotation of the imaging region performed by the imaging control unit 26e according to the fourth embodiment. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the imaging control unit 26e determines the imaging area 65e as a reference imaging area when the imaging area 65e and the imaging area 65f overlap each other. Then, the imaging control unit 26e avoids overlapping of the imaging area 65e and the imaging area 65f by rotating the imaging area 65f that is not the reference imaging area. First, the imaging control unit 26e obtains the rotation axis of the imaging region 65f by obtaining the outer product A × B of the vector A in the length direction and the vector B in the thickness direction of the imaging region 65f. Further, the imaging control unit 26e calculates an angle for rotating the imaging region 65f with the obtained rotation axis. At this time, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the imaging control unit 26e calculates the minimum rotation angle α at which the imaging region 65e and the imaging region 65f do not overlap. Then, the imaging control unit 26e rotates the imaging region 65f by the calculated rotation angle α. The imaging control unit 26e repeats this process as many times as there are overlapping imaging areas.

For example, as shown in FIG. 15, when the imaging region 65e related to the intervertebral disc 66e and the imaging region 65f related to the intervertebral disc 66f overlap, the imaging region until the outer edge of the imaging region 65f touches the outer edge of the imaging region 65e. The rotation angle of 65f can be further increased from α. Therefore, the imaging control unit 26e calculates the rotation angle α _max when the imaging region 65e is in contact with the outer edge of the imaging region 65f that does not overlap the imaging region 65e. Then, the imaging control unit 26e rotates the imaging region 65f in a range from α to α _max so as not to overlap with other imaging regions. At this time, it is desirable that the imaging control unit 26e rotate the imaging region 65f within a range where the intervertebral disc 66f is within the thickness of the imaging region 65f.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, since it is possible to automatically avoid overlapping of the imaging areas in the plurality of detected imaging areas, the operator manually adjusts so that the imaging areas do not overlap. Can be reduced. In addition, by eliminating the overlap of the imaging regions, it is possible to prevent a signal from falling off due to the overlap. That is, artifacts caused by overlapping imaging regions can be reduced, and the image quality of an image obtained by imaging can be improved.

  In the fourth embodiment, the example in which the overlapping of the imaging regions is avoided by rotating the imaging regions has been described, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, by changing the imaging order of the imaging areas to be imaged, a time interval for imaging the overlapping imaging areas may be provided.

  In this case, when the imaging control unit 26e detects the overlap of the imaging regions related to the intervertebral disc to be imaged selected by the selection unit 26b based on the disc information detected by the detection unit 26a, and the overlap is detected. In addition, the imaging order of the imaging areas related to the intervertebral disc to be imaged is changed so as to leave a time interval for imaging the overlapping imaging areas.

  16 and 17 are diagrams for explaining the change of the imaging order performed by the imaging control unit 26e according to the fourth embodiment. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 16, it is assumed that the imaging area 75 b and the imaging area 75 c overlap among the imaging areas 75 a to 75 d related to the intervertebral disc to be imaged. In this case, for example, the imaging control unit 26e images each imaging area in the order of the imaging area 75c, the imaging area 75a, the imaging area 75b, and the imaging area 75d.

  On the other hand, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 17, it is assumed that the imaging areas 85 b to 85 d overlap among the imaging areas 85 a to 85 d related to the intervertebral disc to be imaged. In this way, when there are few non-overlapping imaging areas, for example, the imaging control unit 26e waits without imaging for the relaxation time, or selects other non-overlapping imaging areas. Take an image. That is, in this case, for example, the imaging control unit 26e waits without imaging for a predetermined waiting time after imaging each imaging area in the order of the imaging area 85c, the imaging area 85a, and the imaging area 85b. Thereafter, the imaging region 85d is imaged. The predetermined waiting time here is adjusted according to, for example, the type of pulse sequence and imaging conditions (for example, flip angle).

  In the fourth embodiment, an example in which the imaging control unit 26e automatically avoids overlapping of imaging areas has been described, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the imaging control unit 26e may receive an operation for rotating the imaging area from the operator so that the imaging areas do not overlap, and rotate the imaging area according to the received operation. In this case, for example, the imaging control unit 26e may display a message on the display unit 25 for notifying the operator that the imaging regions overlap.

  Moreover, although each embodiment mentioned above demonstrated the example in case the selection part 26b selects the intervertebral disc of imaging object as many as the number of the intervertebral discs contained in imaging conditions, embodiment is not restricted to this. For example, the selection unit 26b may accept an operation of inputting a numerical value in the text box 31 from the operator, and may select the number of intervertebral discs to be imaged. In addition, for each intervertebral disc displayed on the display unit 25, the selection unit 26b performs an operation on an intervertebral disc that is not selected as an imaging target, or excludes an intervertebral disc selected as an imaging target. The operation may be received from the operator, and the intervertebral disc to be imaged may be increased or decreased according to the received operation. In that case, the imaging control unit 26e may display the intervertebral disc automatically selected by the selection unit 26b and the intervertebral disc manually selected by the operator with different display modes.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, an example has been described in which the selection unit 26b selects an intervertebral disc to be imaged from the upper side, the lower side, or the vicinity of the center from among a plurality of intervertebral discs. Not limited to. For example, when the MRI apparatus 100 images a wide range of the subject while moving the top plate 4a continuously or stepwise, the selection unit 26b has a predetermined number from the position where the magnetic field uniformity is high. An intervertebral disc to be imaged may be selected. In this case, for example, the selection unit 26b specifies a position with high magnetic field uniformity based on the B0 distribution data collected for shimming in the preparatory imaging performed prior to the main imaging.

  Further, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for selecting an intervertebral disc to be imaged is not limited to the text box 31, the button 32, and the button 33 shown in FIG. For example, designation of a position and a range for selecting an intervertebral disc to be imaged may be accepted from an operator. Further, designation of the number of slices per intervertebral disc may be accepted from the operator.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining selection of an intervertebral disc according to a modification of each embodiment. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the display control unit 26 c displays a pull-down menu 91 for designating a position for selecting an imaging target intervertebral disk and a designated position instead of the text box 31 illustrated in FIG. 3. A text box 92 for designating the range of the intervertebral disc as a reference is displayed. Here, when an operation for designating the button 93 of the pull-down menu 91 with the mouse pointer 36 or the like is performed by the operator, the display control unit 26c performs “from the top” and “from the bottom” as shown in FIG. ”Is displayed. Further, the display control unit 26c displays a text box 93 for designating the number of slices per intervertebral disc.

  Then, the receiving unit 26d receives, from the operator, an operation of selecting “from the top” or “from the bottom” from the pull-down menu 91 as the position for selecting the intervertebral disc to be imaged. The accepting unit 26d accepts an operation for inputting a range represented by two numerical values in the text box 92 as the range of the intervertebral disc from the operator. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the reception unit 26 d receives an operation of inputting “1-5” indicating a range from 1 to 5. The receiving unit 26d receives an operation for designating a numerical value in the text box 93 as the number of slices per intervertebral disc from the operator. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the reception unit 26 d receives an operation of inputting “3” indicating that the number of slices per intervertebral disc is three.

  Further, the selection unit 26b selects an intervertebral disc in a range input in the text box 92 as an imaging target intervertebral disc based on the position selected from the pull-down menu 91. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 18, when “from the top” is selected from the pull-down menu 91 and “1-5” is input to the text box 92, the selection unit 26 b is included in the positioning sagittal image. Among the plurality of intervertebral discs, the first to fifth intervertebral discs counted from the top are selected as the intervertebral discs to be imaged.

  Accordingly, the display control unit 26c displays the graphics 95a to 95e related to the intervertebral discs selected as the imaging target for the graphics 95a to 95g related to the plurality of intervertebral discs included in the positioning sagittal image. The graphics 95f and 95g related to the other intervertebral discs are displayed in a display mode indicating that they are not imaging targets.

  The selection unit 26b reselects the intervertebral disc to be imaged each time the operator selects a menu in the pull-down menu 91 or inputs a range to the text box 92. Further, the display control unit 26c switches the graphic display regarding the intervertebral disc according to the intervertebral disc selected by the selection unit 26b. The operations of the selection unit 26b and the display control unit 26c when the button 32 or 33 is designated by the operator are the same as the operations described in the above embodiments.

  Further, the display control unit 26 c changes the graphic shape related to the intervertebral disc according to the numerical value input in the text box 93. For example, like the graphics 95a to 95g shown in FIG. 18, the display control unit 26c divides and displays the area in the rectangular graphic by the number of values input in the text box 93 in the short direction. When the number of slices per disc is changed by the operator, the control unit 26 changes the number of slices in the imaging area included in the imaging conditions stored in the imaging condition storage unit 23c. Update to number.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the example in which the detection unit 26a detects the intervertebral disc information based on the sagittal image for positioning has been described, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the detection unit 26a may detect the intervertebral disc information based on various images captured for diagnosis. That is, it is an image including the subject's intervertebral disc and spinal canal, and various images can be used as long as the image includes at least the intervertebral disc.

  The various functions described in the above embodiments can be implemented in appropriate combination. For example, one MRI apparatus 100 may include all the functions described in the first to fourth embodiments, or may include only the functions of two or three embodiments. For example, when the MRI apparatus 100 has both the function described in the second embodiment and the function described in the third embodiment, the length of the interval is large in the plurality of detected intervertebral discs. It is possible to complement the intervertebral disc for the location and to exclude the intervertebral disc from the imaging target for the location where the interval length is small. In addition to this, when the MRI apparatus 100 has the function described in the fourth embodiment, it is also possible to avoid overlapping of imaging regions in the intervertebral disc to be imaged.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which an intervertebral disc is used as a target site has been described, but a vertebral body may be used as a target site. In this case, the detection unit 26a detects vertebral body information indicating the position and orientation of each vertebral body for each of a plurality of vertebral bodies based on an image depicting the spine of the subject. For example, as described in each of the above-described embodiments, the detection unit 26a extracts intervertebral disc information from an image in which the subject's spine is depicted. Then, the detection unit 26a sets the midpoint of the i (i: natural number) -th and i + 1-th intervertebral disc as the position of the vertebral body. Furthermore, the detection unit 26a sets the average of the orientations of the i-th and i + 1-th intervertebral discs as the orientation of the vertebral body. The detection unit 26a obtains the position and orientation of the vertebral bodies located at both ends of the spine from the amount of change in the position and orientation of the other vertebral bodies.

  After the vertebral body information is detected by the detection unit 26a, each unit of the computer system 20 performs the same processing by replacing the intervertebral disc with a vertebral body. For example, the selection unit 26b selects a vertebral body to be imaged from a plurality of vertebral bodies based on the vertebral body information detected by the detection unit 26a. In addition, the display control unit 26c, for a plurality of vertebral bodies for which vertebral body information has been detected by the detection unit 26a, represents information indicating an imaging region related to the vertebral body to be imaged selected by the selection unit 26b and other vertebral bodies Information representing the imaging area is displayed on the display unit 25 in a different display mode.

  Alternatively, both the intervertebral disc and the vertebral body may be targeted, and both may be imaged in a single sequence. For example, an imaging region including a plurality of slices may be set so as to include both an intervertebral disc and a vertebral body, and imaging including both the intervertebral disc and the vertebral body may be repeated in one sequence. Further, for example, an imaging region including a plurality of slices may be set for each intervertebral disc and vertebral body, and imaging including only the intervertebral disc and imaging including only the vertebral body may be performed in one sequence.

  According to at least one embodiment described above, an operator can easily select a target portion to be imaged.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 MRI apparatus 20 Computer system 26 Control part 26a Detection part 26b Selection part 26c Display control part

Claims (10)

Based on an image in which at least one of an intervertebral disc and a vertebral body is a target site, and the spine of the subject is depicted, target site information indicating the position and orientation of a plurality of target sites included in the spine is detected, and a plurality of A detecting unit that obtains at least one of an interval between the target parts and an overlap of imaging regions related to the target parts;
Based on at least one of the intervals between the plurality of target portions and the overlap of the imaging regions related to the plurality of target portions obtained by the detection unit, the target portion to be imaged from among the plurality of target portions. A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising: a selection unit that selects The detection unit calculates an overlap of imaging regions related to a plurality of the target parts,
2. The magnetic resonance according to claim 1, further comprising: an imaging control unit that determines an overlap of the imaging regions related to the plurality of detected target parts and rotates the imaging region related to the intervertebral disc to be imaged when the overlap is detected. Imaging device.   The imaging control unit determines the overlap based on the length, width, and thickness of an imaging region included in an imaging condition and intervertebral disc information indicating the position and orientation of a target region selected by a selection unit. Item 3. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to Item 2.   The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the imaging control unit determines the overlap based on an angle formed by two imaging regions related to the target region.   2. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an imaging control unit that determines an overlap of imaging regions related to the plurality of detected intervertebral discs and changes an imaging order of each imaging region when the overlapping is detected. .   The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the imaging control unit sets a time interval for each imaging in changing the imaging order.   The selection unit selects a target part to be imaged from a plurality of the target parts such that an interval between the target parts obtained by the detection part is larger than a preset reference value. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus described.   The selection unit removes at least one target part from a plurality of the target parts from the imaging target when the interval between the target parts obtained by the detection unit is smaller than a preset reference value. 2. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to 1.   The selection unit selects a target part to be imaged from a plurality of the target parts such that an interval between the target parts obtained by the detection part is larger than a reference value obtained from patient information. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus described in 1.   10. The display control unit according to claim 1, further comprising: a display control unit configured to change a display mode between information representing an imaging region related to a target part to be imaged and information representing an imaging region related to a target part that is not the imaging target. Magnetic resonance imaging equipment.