JP3809105B2 - Magnetic resonance imaging system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for imaging the inside of a subject based on a magnetic resonance phenomenon.Depends on the deviceEspecially, equipped with an imaging planning function necessary for imaging the spinal column such as the lumbar spine of the subject.Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Magnetic resonance imaging is an imaging method in which a nuclear spin of a subject placed in a static magnetic field is magnetically excited with a high-frequency signal of its Larmor frequency, and an image is reconstructed from an MR signal generated by the excitation. .
[0003]
This imaging method is suitable for imaging the spinal column such as the cervical vertebra, thoracic vertebra, and lumbar vertebra because the direction of the imaging cross section of the subject can be freely set. For this imaging, a technique called multi-slab imaging is generally used, and MR images of a plurality of intervertebral discs are obtained.
[0004]
As an imaging planning method when imaging a spine of a human body, such as a lumbar spine, with a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, for example, those described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 6-22933 and 8-289888 are known. .
[0005]
A preferred aspect based on the imaging planning method described in the former publication relates to an imaging planning for MR imaging. Specifically, the operator commands an initial slice parallel to the intervertebral disc at the desired imaging site while viewing the sagittal image of the lumbar spine. In response to this, the arithmetic unit sets one initial slice of the commanded position and angle in accordance with a procedure stored in advance. Next, adjacent slices are automatically set above and / or below the initial slice by the arithmetic unit.
[0006]
On the other hand, the imaging planning method described in the latter publication is exemplified by an X-ray tomography apparatus, but is a planning method that can also be executed by a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. Specifically, the imaging position is set by recognizing the region of each vertebra from a preliminary captured image (X-ray transmission image) around the spinal column and setting the intermediate position of the opposing surfaces of each vertebra. Further, a central line of the spinal column is generated from the preliminary captured image, and an imaging angle in a direction perpendicular to the central line is recognized. A shooting plan is made based on these shooting positions and shooting angles.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Usually, the spine of the human body, which is the subject, such as the lumbar spine, is curved three-dimensionally, and the surfaces along the intervertebral disc are individually oriented in various directions. The conventional imaging planning method is performed on a single two-dimensional image as seen in the example described in the above publication. For this reason, it has been extremely difficult to image with the imaging slice perfectly matched to the individual intervertebral disc.
[0008]
In such a situation, in order to accurately set the direction of each intervertebral disc having a three-dimensional directionality, it is also assumed that an imaging position and an imaging direction are planned using a plurality of images. However, making an imaging plan on an individual image using a plurality of two-dimensional images significantly increases the time required for the planning, and therefore the total imaging time, and therefore the adoption of such an imaging planning method is It was virtually impossible.
[0009]
On the other hand, even in the same spine, the degree of diagnostic interest varies depending on the individual intervertebral disc. For this reason, it is desirable that the number of cross-sections (slices) for imaging each intervertebral disc can be freely changed for each intervertebral disc in accordance with the upper limit of the number of imaging based on the pulse sequence used and the degree of medical interest. However, it has been difficult to accurately adjust the number of images taken for each intervertebral disc on a two-dimensional image, and it is also practically impossible to use a plurality of two-dimensional images due to time constraints. It was possible.
[0010]
  The present invention has been made to overcome such a current situation, and even if the imaging target is a vertebral body such as a lumbar vertebra that is three-dimensionally curved, the imaging slice can be placed at an imaging position such as an intervertebral disc. An imaging plan function that can be set accurately and quicklyA magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is provided.That is one purpose.
[0011]
Another object of the present invention is to have a function of allowing the operator to freely change the imaging slice for each intervertebral disc in accordance with the degree of medical interest in addition to the above-described purpose.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of the present invention is a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus in which an imaging plan is made in advance in order to obtain an MR image of a subject, and two cross-sectional images in the subject. An imaging means including imaging means including imaging means orthogonal to the approximate curve represented by the approximating means represented by the approximating means represented by the approximating means represented by the approximating means and the approximating means representing the traveling state in the longitudinal direction of the imaging object using Slice setting means to set as informationThe approximating means is designated on one of the two tomographic images, a position designating means for designating a plurality of desired positions along the imaging target on one of the tomographic images, and designated on the one tomographic image Projecting means for projecting a plurality of desired positions onto the other slice, position moving means for moving the plurality of projected positions on the other slice along the imaging object, and the position specifying means And calculating means for calculating the approximate curve passing through a plurality of positions designated on the one fault and a plurality of positions set on the other fault by the position moving means.
[0013]
  Thereby, even if the object to be imaged is a vertebral body such as a lumbar vertebra that is curved three-dimensionally, it is possible to provide an imaging plan function that can set an imaging slice at an imaging position such as an intervertebral disc more accurately and quickly, further,The operator can easily specify the position, simplify the operation, and set an approximate curve with a high degree of approximation.
[0014]
For example, the slice setting means includes a plurality of positions that are uniquely determined by virtually projecting a plurality of positions designated by the position designation means and a plurality of positions set by the position movement means onto the approximate curve. Determining means for determining an imaging slice orthogonal to the approximate curve at each position. Thereby, the orthogonal imaging slice can be regarded as an imaging slice substantially parallel to the intervertebral disc, and a slice direction with high accuracy can be easily set.
[0015]
Further, for example, the position specifying means is a means configured such that an operator can manually specify the plurality of desired positions, and the position moving means can be manually moved by the operator. It is also possible to use the means configured as follows. Thereby, an interactive imaging plan can be made with the operator.
[0016]
As an example, the imaging target is a vertebral column, and the position designated or moved by the position designation unit and the position movement unit is a position of an intervertebral disc located between vertebral bodies of the spine. As a result, it is possible to set an imaging slice that accurately captures the intervertebral disk easily and quickly at the position of the intervertebral disk.
[0017]
Further, as an example, the two tomographic images are a coronal image and a sagittal image including the imaging target of the subject. Since the coronal image and the sagittal image are orthogonal to each other, it is visually easy to grasp the stereoscopic sense.
[0018]
As another preferable aspect, the slice setting unit further includes a slice number designating unit capable of designating, to the computing unit, the number of imaging slices orthogonal to the approximate curve at each of the plurality of positions. In this case, when the plurality of imaging slices are designated at at least one of the plurality of positions by the slice number designation unit, the slice setting unit applies any slice of the plurality of imaging slices to the position. It is also preferable to further include slice position selection means for selecting the above. By specifying the number of slices and selecting the slice position, the operator can freely change the imaging slice for each intervertebral disc according to the degree of medical interest and the like, and the usability and operability are excellent.
[0019]
Further, the image processing apparatus may further include a scanning unit that performs scanning according to the imaging slice set by the slice setting unit and collects the MR image data. As a result, the information obtained accurately and quickly in the imaging plan can be reliably reflected in the scan.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0022]
One embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0023]
A schematic configuration of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to this embodiment is shown in FIG.
[0024]
This magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a bed part on which a patient P as a subject is placed, a static magnetic field generation part for generating a static magnetic field, a gradient magnetic field generation part for adding position information to the static magnetic field, and RF (high frequency) A transmission / reception unit for transmitting / receiving signals, a control / calculation unit responsible for overall system control and image reconstruction, an electrocardiogram measurement unit for measuring an ECG (electrocardiogram) signal as a signal representing the cardiac phase of the patient P, and a patient A breath-hold command unit that commands P to hold the breath is functionally provided.
[0025]
The static magnetic field generation unit includes, for example, a superconducting magnet 1 and a static magnetic field power supply 2 that supplies current to the magnet 1, and a longitudinal axis of a cylindrical opening (diagnostic space) into which the subject P is loosely inserted. Static magnetic field H in the direction (Z-axis direction)₀Is generated. In addition, the shim coil 14 is provided in this magnet part. The shim coil 14 is supplied with a current for homogenizing a static magnetic field from a shim coil power supply 15 under the control of a host computer to be described later. The couch portion can removably insert the top plate on which the subject P is placed into the opening of the magnet 1.
[0026]
The gradient magnetic field generator includes a gradient magnetic field coil unit 3 incorporated in the magnet 1. The gradient coil unit 3 includes three sets (types) of x, y, and z coils 3x to 3z for generating gradient magnetic fields in the X, Y, and Z axis directions orthogonal to each other. The gradient magnetic field unit further includes a gradient magnetic field power supply 4 that supplies current to the x, y, z coils 3x to 3z. This gradient magnetic field power supply 4 supplies a pulse current for generating a gradient magnetic field to the x, y, z coils 3x to 3z under the control of a sequencer described later.
[0027]
By controlling the pulse currents supplied from the gradient magnetic field power source 4 to the x, y, z coils 3x to 3z, the gradient magnetic fields in the three-axis X, Y, and Z directions are synthesized and the slice direction gradient magnetic field G is synthesized._S, Phase encoding direction gradient magnetic field G_E, And readout direction (frequency encoding direction) gradient magnetic field G_REach direction can be set and changed arbitrarily. Each gradient magnetic field in the slice direction, phase encoding direction, and readout direction is a static magnetic field H.₀Is superimposed on.
[0028]
The transmission / reception unit includes an RF (high frequency) coil 7 disposed in the vicinity of the patient P in the imaging space in the magnet 1, and a transmitter 8T and a receiver 8R connected to the RF coil 7. Under the control of a sequencer described later, the transmitter 8T supplies an RF current pulse having a Larmor frequency for exciting magnetic resonance (NMR) to the RF coil 7, while the receiver 8R receives the RF coil 7. The received MR signal (high frequency signal) is received, and various received signal processing is performed on the received signal to form corresponding digital data.
[0029]
  The control / arithmetic unit further includes a sequencer (also referred to as a sequence controller) 5, a host computer 6, an arithmetic unit 10, a storage unit 11, a display device 12, and an input device 13. Among these, the host computer 6 commands the pulse sequence information to the sequencer 5 in accordance with the stored software procedure, and has a function to control the overall operation of the apparatus including the sequencer 5.In addition, shooting planningProcess to execute.
[0030]
The sequencer 5 includes a CPU and a memory, stores pulse sequence information sent from the host computer 6, and controls a series of operations of the gradient magnetic field power source 4, the transmitter 8T, and the receiver 8R according to this information. . Here, the pulse sequence information is all information necessary for operating the gradient magnetic field power source 4, the transmitter 8T, and the receiver 8R according to a series of pulse sequences, for example, x, y, z coils 3x to 3z. Includes information on the intensity, application time, application timing, and the like of the pulse current applied to. In addition, the sequencer 5 inputs digital data (MR signal) output from the receiver 8 </ b> R and transfers this data to the arithmetic unit 10.
[0031]
This pulse sequence may be a two-dimensional (2D) scan or a three-dimensional (3D) scan as long as the Fourier transform method can be applied. Also, the pulse train forms include SE (spin echo) method, FE (field gradient echo) method, FSE (fast SE) method, EPI (echo planar imaging) method, and Fast asymmetric SE (FASE: FSE method). A method that combines the Fourier method) can be applied.
[0032]
Further, the arithmetic unit 10 inputs the digital data of the MR signal sent from the receiver 8R via the sequencer 5, and the original data (also called raw data) to the Fourier space (also called k space or frequency space). And a two-dimensional or three-dimensional Fourier transform process for reconstructing the original data into a real space image, while performing an image data synthesis process. The Fourier transform process may be assigned to the host computer 6.
[0033]
The storage unit 11 can store not only original data and reconstructed image data, but also image data that has been subjected to various types of processing. The display device 12 displays an image. In addition, information such as the type of parameter desired by the operator, the scanning condition, the type and parameter of the pulse sequence, the desired image processing method, and the like can be input to the host computer 6 via the input unit 13.
[0034]
Moreover, the audio | voice generator 19 is provided as a breath-hold command part. This voice generator 19 can emit, for example, messages indicating the start and end of breath holding as voice when instructed by the host computer 6.
[0035]
Further, the electrocardiogram measurement unit attaches to the body surface of the patient P and detects an ECG signal as an electrical signal, and performs various processing including digitization processing on the sensor signal to perform the host computer 6 and the sequencer. And an ECG unit 18 for outputting to the PC. The measurement signal from the electrocardiograph is used by the host computer 6 and the sequencer 5 when the imaging scan is executed based on the electrocardiogram synchronization method.
[0036]
Next, the overall operation of this embodiment will be described.
[0037]
Now, it is assumed that an imaging target is a lumbar vertebra, and imaging slices are set in parallel to the respective surfaces of a desired lumbar intervertebral disk, and MR images (tomographic images) of these slices are obtained. Imaging is performed by a multi-slab collection method. Prior to this imaging, an imaging plan described below is made.
[0038]
The host computer 6 cooperates with the storage unit 11, the display device 12, and the input device 13 to make an imaging plan in an interactive manner with the operator. FIG. 2 shows an outline of processing executed by the host computer 6 in this imaging plan.
[0039]
Note that this processing may be executed by the arithmetic unit 10 instead of the host computer 6. In addition, it is executed by an imaging planning apparatus having a computer configuration having a processor and a memory provided outside the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, and exchange of necessary data and information is performed between the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and the imaging planning apparatus. It may be executed via a communication network.
[0040]
Returning to FIG. 2, the host computer 6 determines whether or not to collect the positioning image while trying to detect the operation signal from the operator given from the input unit 13 (step S1). If it is determined that the positioning image is to be collected, the host computer 6 causes the sequencer 5 to scan the sagittal plane and coronal plane including the lumbar spine of the subject P in a predetermined pulse sequence (step S2). Thereby, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a sagittal image SG and a coronal image CO of the lumbar vertebra are obtained and displayed on the same screen of the display unit 12 in, for example, a divided mode.
[0041]
Note that the positioning images displayed here do not necessarily have to be mutually orthogonal images such as the sagittal image SG and the coronal image, and intersect each other at an angle other than 90 ° including the lumbar spine to be imaged. Two oblique tomographic images may be used.
[0042]
Next, the host computer 6 is one of the displayed sagittal image SG and coronal image CO. For example, among the lumbar discs HD displayed on the coronal image, the host computer 6 positions the plurality of intervertebral discs HD to be imaged. A point-like ROI (hereinafter referred to as point PT) is set (steps S3 and S4). This point PT is set by using the display device 12 and the input device 13 as an interface, and the host computer 6 and the operator interactively exchange information via this interface. Specifically, the host computer 6 prompts the operator to set each point via the screen display of the display 12, and the operator operates the input device 13 in response to this to set between the vertebral bodies CV of the coronal image CO. A point PT is set at the position of each intervertebral disc HD present in FIG.
[0043]
Note that the image in which the operator sets the point interactively first may be a sagittal image instead of a coronal image.
[0044]
Next, the host computer 6 projects and displays all the points PT on the coronal image CO set as described above on the sagittal image SG by calculation (step S5). At this time, for example, only the position in the body axis direction is projected between the coronal image and the sagittal image, and each point PT is displayed at an arbitrary initial position in the left-right direction on the sagittal image.
[0045]
Next, the host computer 6 interactively moves the position of each point PT projected on the sagittal image SG from the initial position in the left-right direction on the image based on an instruction from the operator, and the position of each point PT is Is set so as to match the position of the intervertebral disc HD (steps S6 and S7). As a result, the point PT is accurately displayed on the intervertebral disc HD to be imaged on the screen of the display 12 as shown in FIGS.
[0046]
After this setting, the host computer 6 determines the position of the virtual point PT ′ that is uniquely determined three-dimensionally by the point PT set in each of the sagittal image SG and the coronal image CO for each pair of common points on both images. (See FIG. 5, step S8)). Further, the host computer 6 calculates and displays the approximate curve AC based on the wire frame passing through the plurality of virtual points PT ′ (steps S9 and S10). This approximate curve AC is obtained by approximation processing based on, for example, a spline function, or processing by quadratic curve approximation passing through three points that are simpler. The approximate curve AC based on the wire frame calculated in this way is displayed superimposed on the lumbar image on both the sagittal image SG and the coronal image CO as shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b), for example. Note that only one image may be superimposed and displayed.
[0047]
If the operator who has observed the displayed approximate curve AC wants to set again, the process can be returned to step S3 (step S11).
[0048]
Next, the host computer 6 calculates a plane orthogonal to the tangent line of the approximate curve AC at the position of each point PT on the approximate curve AC, and stores information on the plane (step S12). In this way, the orthogonal plane constitutes an imaging slice (plane) by giving a thickness.
[0049]
The reason why the imaging slice is regarded as a plane orthogonal to the approximate curve AC based on the wire frame is as follows. Even though the spinal column such as the lumbar vertebra is curved across the three-dimensional space, the curve changes continuously, so it can be considered that the direction of the individual intervertebral discs also changes continuously. it can. For this reason, it can be assumed that the individual intervertebral discs are orthogonal to the approximate curve AC of the wire frame. Therefore, the direction of the plane corresponding to each of the intervertebral discs is stopped, and instead, by setting a wire frame (approximate curve AC) that penetrates the intervertebral disc, the plane perpendicular to the tangential direction at each point PT becomes an intervertebral disc. It can be seen as a surface.
[0050]
When the orthogonal plane is thus determined for each point PT, the host computer 6 controls the number of slices for each point PT (steps S13 to S17). Specifically, one point PT is selected from a plurality of points PT on the lumbar spine that have already been set according to a command from the operator (step S13), and then imaging is performed at the position of the point PT. A slice number is selected, and slices corresponding to the slice number are set parallel to the orthogonal plane and displayed (step S14).
[0051]
The selection of the number of slices is easily set by the operator selecting a desired number from a pull-down menu displayed on the display screen of the display device 12, for example. This selected number of sheets is continuously prepared from one sheet to a plurality of sheets (for example, three sheets). The reason why a plurality of slices can be selected in this way is that, by comparing the cross-sectional images of the vertebral body and the intervertebral disc in the running direction of the spine such as the lumbar vertebrae, the degree of progression of the disc herniation can be evaluated. It is important to make an imaging plan for both the vertebral body cross-section and the intervertebral disc cross-section, and there is a case where not only the intervertebral disc HD but also a part of the vertebral body position CV slightly shifted in the body axis direction may be diagnosed. It depends on something. FIG. 7 shows an example of a display state when the number of selected slices is two.
[0052]
Next, it is determined whether or not the number of selected slices is two or more (step S15). When the determination is YES (the number of slices is two or more), the point PT (that is, the center position of the intervertebral disc HD) is reached. A slice to be combined is selected according to a command from the operator (step S16).
[0053]
In the example of FIG. 7, the upper slice SL1 in the drawing of the two slices SL1 and SL2 is aligned with the position of the point PT in line with the above-described reason for selecting the plurality of slices. The setting of the slice position shown in FIG. 7 is also effective when it is desired to examine a tomographic image of the intervertebral disc side portion of the lower vertebral body CV2. Similarly, three slices can be set. The plurality of slices may be provided with a gap between them or may be set without gaps.
[0054]
This slice number selection and display processing is repeated for each point PT (step S17). As a result, a desired number of slices are set in a state that can be regarded as parallel to the intervertebral disc within an allowable range for each intervertebral disc to be imaged of the lumbar spine.
[0055]
When the imaging plan for the intervertebral disc to be imaged is completed in this way, the host computer 6 instructs the sequencer 5 to perform scanning based on the multi-slab acquisition method, and an MR image of the planned imaging slice is obtained (step S18).
[0056]
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even when the imaging target is a vertebral body such as a lumbar vertebra that is curved three-dimensionally, an imaging plan that can set an imaging slice more accurately and quickly at an imaging position such as an intervertebral disc Can provide the functions.
[0057]
In addition, although a plurality of cross-sectional images are used, it is limited only to the position specification of the intervertebral disc. As described above, unlike the case where the plurality of cross-sectional images are individually used to plan the imaging position and imaging direction, the imaging is performed. The planning time is much shorter. For this reason, the total imaging time is also suppressed, and it can be sufficiently performed even in an actual medical field.
[0058]
In addition, the operator can freely change the imaging slice for each intervertebral disc according to the degree of medical interest and the request for cross-sectional comparison between the vertebral body and the intervertebral disc, so that it is possible to reliably image the region to be examined it can. As a result, re-imaging can be almost avoided, and the operator's operation effort is reduced as well as improvement of patient put.
[0059]
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment and the configuration thereof, and can be further modified without departing from the gist of the present invention described in the claims. . For example, in the above-described embodiment, the point set on one image (coronal image CO) is projected on the other image (sagittal image SG) with the position in the body axis direction aligned. You may comprise so that the interactive point setting which concerns on step S3, S4 mentioned above to each of each image may be performed separately. In addition, even when the position of the intervertebral disc to be imaged is one, by setting points at three intervertebral disc positions in total, one on each of the longitudinal directions across the position, the above-described imaging plan can be obtained. It is desirable to carry out. Furthermore, the above-described imaging plan process may be executed by an arithmetic unit instead of the host computer.
[0060]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the present inventionAccording to magnetic resonance imaging equipmentEven if the object to be imaged is a vertebral body such as a lumbar vertebra that is three-dimensionally curved, an imaging slice can be more accurately and quickly set at an imaging position such as an intervertebral disc. Furthermore, the operator can freely change the imaging slice for each intervertebral disc in accordance with the degree of medical interest and the like, and can surely meet the demands of the actual medical site.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of an imaging plan executed by the host computer of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an imaging plan, and is a schematic diagram of a sagittal image and a coronal image of a displayed lumbar spine.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an imaging plan, and is a schematic diagram of a sagittal image and a coronal image of a lumbar vertebra with points set at positions of intervertebral discs.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an imaging plan, and is a diagram for explaining a correspondence relationship between points set in a sagittal image and a coronal image of a lumbar spine and a position of an intervertebral disc of the lumbar spine.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an imaging plan, and is a schematic diagram of a sagittal image and a coronal image showing a state in which a lumbar vertebra is approximated by a curve and displayed.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an imaging plan and for explaining a positional relationship among a plurality of slices set at positions of each intervertebral disc.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Magnet
2 Static magnetic field power supply
3 Gradient magnetic field coil unit
4 Gradient magnetic field power supply
5 Sequencer
6 Host computer
7 RF coil
8T transmitter
8R receiver
10 Arithmetic unit
11 Storage unit
12 Display
13 Input device

Claims (8)

In a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus in which an imaging plan is made in advance in order to obtain an MR image of a subject, the traveling state of the imaging target in the longitudinal direction is three-dimensionally determined using two cross-sectional images in the subject. An approximating means represented by an approximate curve, and slice setting means for setting imaging information including an imaging slice orthogonal to the approximate curve represented by the approximating means as information representing the imaging plan , the approximating means comprising: Position designation means for designating a plurality of desired positions along the imaging target on one tomogram of the two tomograms, and another desired position designated on the one tomogram Projecting means for projecting on one tomographic section, position moving means for moving the plurality of projected positions on the other tomographic section along the imaging object, and the position designating means for the one tomographic section Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus by the specified plurality of positions said position moving means in characterized by comprising a calculating means for calculating the approximate curve passing through a plurality of positions set on the other tomographic . 2. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the slice setting unit includes a plurality of positions specified by the position specifying unit and a plurality of positions set by the position moving unit both virtually on the approximate curve. A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus having a determination unit that determines an imaging slice orthogonal to the approximate curve at each of a plurality of positions that are uniquely determined by being projected onto the magnetic field. 3. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the position specifying unit is a unit configured such that an operator can manually specify the plurality of desired positions, and the position moving unit is an operator. Is a means configured to be able to manually move between the plurality of positions. 4. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the imaging target is a vertebral column, and a position designated or moved by the position designation unit and the position movement unit is a vertebral body of the spine. A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus characterized by being a position of an intervertebral disc located between them. 5. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the two tomographic images are a coronal image and a sagittal image including the imaging target of the subject. Imaging device. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the slice setting unit further includes a slice number designating unit capable of designating, to the computing unit, the number of imaging slices orthogonal to the approximate curve at each of the plurality of positions. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the slice setting unit is configured to select a plurality of imaging slices when a plurality of the imaging slices are specified at at least one of the plurality of positions by the slice number specifying unit. A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus further comprising slice position selection means for selecting which slice of the slice is to be applied to the position. 8. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a scanning unit that performs scanning according to the imaging slice set by the slice setting unit and collects data of the MR image. A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.

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