JPH06217958A - Magnetic resonance imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To adjust a photographing cross section to be put upon a diseased part at high accuracy. CONSTITUTION:A magnetic resonance imaging device includes a photographing portion 1 for photographing an examine, a monitor 2 serving as a display portion on which images obtained at the photographing portion 1 can be displayed, and a positioning portion 3 in which a photographing cross section for normal scanning can be positioned using multi-slice images, obtained by initial pilot scanning performed at the photographing portion 1. The positioning portion 3 includes a positioning-image selecting portion 11 capable of selecting at least two positioning images from the multi-slice images, an ROI selecting portion 12 capable of setting ROI to each positioning image, and an ROI computing portion 13 in which an area where a cross section, determined by each set ROI, crosses unselected multi-slice images, can be computed as ROI for the unselected images. The ROI for the unselected images is superimposed on the unselected images and displayed on a monitor 2, where a photographing crass section can be positioned.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and, more particularly, to a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus for positioning an imaging section of a normal scan using a multi-slice image obtained by a pilot scan.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When an image of a cross section of a normal scan is taken by using a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, first, a scan called a pilot scan is performed.
Create a multi-slice image. Next, two images are selected from the multi-slice images, and ROIs are set on these images respectively.

Next, a normal scan is performed by using the cross section between the set ROIs as an imaging cross section.

By such an operation, it is possible to position the photographing section of the normal scan to some extent.

[0005]

However, in the above-described positioning method, the positioned imaging cross section is the ROI.
It was not possible to visually observe which region of the image other than the two images in which the image was set was passed, and therefore it was difficult to align the imaging cross section with the diseased portion with high accuracy. .

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus capable of aligning an imaging section with a diseased portion with high accuracy.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of the present invention has a photographing section for photographing a subject and an image obtained by the photographing section as described in claim 1. And a positioning unit capable of positioning the imaging section of a normal scan using a multi-slice image obtained by performing a pilot scan in advance by the imaging unit, and the positioning unit includes A positioning image selection unit capable of selecting at least two positioning images from slice images, an ROI setting unit capable of setting an ROI for each of the positioning images, and a cross section defined by each set ROI is the multi-slice. An ROI calculation unit capable of calculating an area of an image intersecting an unselected unselected image as an ROI for the unselected image. , ROI for the unselected image
Is displayed on the display unit so as to be superimposed on the unselected image, the imaging section can be positioned.

Further, according to the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of the present invention, as described in claim 2, a photographing section for photographing the subject, a display section capable of displaying the image obtained by the photographing section,
The imaging unit includes a positioning unit capable of positioning an imaging section of a normal scan using a multi-slice image obtained by performing a pilot scan in advance,
The positioning unit uses a positioning image selection unit capable of selecting a positioning image from the multi-slice image, a weighted addition processing unit capable of creating a weighted addition image using the positioning image, and the multi-slice image. MPR processing unit capable of creating an MPR image by means of the above, an ROI setting unit capable of setting at least two ROIs in the weighted image, and an MP corresponding to a cross section determined by each set ROI.
An ROI calculation unit capable of calculating an area on the R image as a ROI for the MPR image, and the ROI for the MPR image is displayed on the display unit by being superimposed on the MPR image, thereby enabling positioning of the imaging cross section. It has become.

[0009]

In the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of the present invention described in claim 1, first, at least two positioning images are selected from the multi-slice images, and then the ROI is set for each of the selected positioning images. .

Next, the area where the cross section determined by each set ROI intersects the unselected unselected image in the multi-slice image is calculated as the ROI for the unselected image, and then the calculated unselected image is calculated. ROI for
By displaying on the display unit, overlaid on the unselected image,
Position the imaging section.

Further, in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of the present invention as defined in claim 2, first, a positioning image is selected from the multi-slice images, and then a weighted addition image is created using the selected positioning image. To do.
On the other hand, an MPR image is created using a multi-slice image.

Next, at least two R's are added to the weighted image.
The OI is set, and the region on the MPR image corresponding to the cross section determined by each set ROI is calculated as the ROI for the MPR image.

Next, the ROI for the MPR image is MPR
The imaging section is positioned by displaying the image on the display unit so as to be superimposed on the image.

[0014]

Embodiments of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 (a) is an overall block diagram showing the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of the first embodiment. As can be seen from the figure, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of the present embodiment includes a photographing unit 1 for photographing a subject (not shown) and a monitor as a display unit capable of displaying the image obtained by the photographing unit 1. 2 and a positioning unit 3 that can position the imaging section of a normal scan using a multi-slice image obtained by performing a pilot scan in advance in the imaging unit 1.

The imaging unit 1 is for imaging the inside of the subject by using a so-called nuclear magnetic resonance phenomenon, and although not shown, a magnet, a gradient magnetic field coil, an RF coil,
Equipped with a bed and the like to move the subject.

FIG. 1 (b) is a detailed block diagram of the positioning unit 3, and a positioning image selection unit 11 capable of selecting two positioning images from a multi-slice image.
And ROI that can set ROI for each of the positioning images
The setting unit 12 and the ROI calculation unit 13 capable of calculating a region whose cross section determined by each set ROI intersects an unselected image in the multi-slice image as an ROI for the unselected image. In addition, the positioning unit 3
The ROI for the unselected image is superimposed on the unselected image and displayed on the monitor 2, so that the imaging section can be positioned.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the operation of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of this embodiment.

In order to position the imaging cross section using the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of this embodiment, first, a pilot scan is carried out to create a multi-slice image as shown in FIG. 2 (step 21). FIG. 3A shows a cross-sectional position where a multi-slice image is created as a slice plane 51. In the figure, reference numeral 52 indicates a desired imaging region.

Next, two positioning images, for example, images obtained at both ends of the slice plane 51 are selected from the created multi-slice images (step 22), and the selected positioning images are displayed on the monitor 2. Display (step 23). Then, the ROI is set to the first positioning image and the ROI is combined and displayed on the monitor (step 24). Next, if the ROI setting position is OK (step 2
(5, YES), the ROI is set for the second positioning image, and the combined image is displayed on the monitor (step 26).

FIG. 3B shows a state in which the positioning images 61 and 62 are displayed on the monitor 2 and the ROIs 63 and 64 are combined and displayed on them.

If the set position of the ROI is OK (step 27, YES), the area where the cross section defined by each set ROI intersects with the unselected image among the multi-slice images is set to the unselected image. The calculated ROI is calculated (step 28), and the calculated ROI for the unselected image is displayed on the monitor 2 while being superimposed on the unselected image.
FIG. 3C shows the unselected images 71, 72, 73, 74 displayed on the monitor 2 and the calculated ROIs 75, 7
6 shows a state in which 6, 77 and 78 are combined and displayed. As can be seen in the figure, the unselected image 72 includes
A shadow 79 of the imaged part 52 is displayed, and the shadow 79 and R
It matches with OI76.

If the positioning is OK (step 30,
If the determination is YES, the cross section thus positioned is photographed (step 31).

If the shadow 79 of the imaged part 52 is not included in any of the ROIs 75 to 78, the positioning is not OK (step 30, NO), and the ROI is set again for the second image. (Step 26), the above procedure is repeated.

As described above, in this embodiment, two images among the multi-slice images are selected as positioning images, ROIs are set for the selected positioning images, and a cross section determined by these ROIs is obtained. Since the area where the unselected image intersects is combined and displayed on each unselected image, it is possible to visually confirm on the monitor whether or not the desired imaging region exists on the positioned cross section. Therefore, the positioning operation of the cross-sectional position can be performed with high accuracy and easily.

In the above embodiment, when the positioning is not OK, the second ROI is set again, but the first ROI may be set again.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. The parts substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of this embodiment is
The imaging unit 1 is provided with a positioning unit 101 that can position an imaging cross section of a normal scan using a multi-slice image obtained by performing a pilot scan in advance.

FIG. 4 is a detailed block diagram of the positioning unit 101, which includes a positioning image selection unit 102 capable of selecting a positioning image from a multi-slice image,
Weighted addition processing unit 103 capable of creating a weighted addition image using a positioning image, MPR processing unit 104 capable of creating an MPR image using a multi-slice image, and ROI setting capable of setting two ROIs in a weighted image Part 1
05 and M corresponding to the cross section determined by each set ROI
The ROI calculation unit 106 that can calculate the region on the PR image as the ROI for the MPR image is provided, and the ROI for the MPR image is displayed on the monitor 2 while being superimposed on the MPR image, so that the imaging cross section can be positioned.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the operation of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of this embodiment.

In order to position the imaging cross section using the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, first, a pilot scan is carried out to create a multi-slice image (step 111), and the image is prepared. A positioning image is selected from the multi-slice images (step 11).
2). Next, a weighted addition image is created using the selected positioning image (step 113), and the created weighted addition image is displayed on the monitor 2 (step 11).
4).

FIG. 6 shows a state in which a sagittal image of the head is created as a multi-slice image, and a weighted addition image 131 created by using the maximum intensity projection method is displayed on the monitor 2. The weighted addition image 131 has a plurality of sagittal images projected at the maximum value, and thus is an image as if the head was seen through. Therefore, the position of the shadow 132 of the imaging region 52 can be confirmed on the weighted addition image 131 without checking which of the multi-slice images in which the shadow of the diagnosis region 52 is reflected.

On the other hand, MPR using multi-slice images
An image is created (step 115) and displayed on the monitor 2 (step 116). In FIG. 6, the weighted addition image 1
The MPR image 133 created at the horizontal position 134 of 31 is displayed in the lower left corner of the monitor 2. The shadow 135 of the diagnosis region 52 is shown in the MPR image 133.

Next, two ROIs are added to the weighted image 131.
136 and 137 are set and combined and displayed on the monitor 2 (step 117). Here, the ROI 136 is set on a predetermined reference plane set on the front side of the head, and the ROI 137 is set on a predetermined reference plane set on the other side of the head. .

Next, the set ROIs 136 and 137 are set.
The area on the MPR image corresponding to the cross section determined by is calculated as the ROI for the MPR image (step 118), and the calculated ROI 138 is displayed on the MPR image 133 in an overlapping manner (step 119). Here, it can be seen that the ROI 138 passes through the shadow 135.

If the positioning is OK (step 12)
(0, YES), and an image is taken at the positioned cross section (step 121).

The shadow 135 of the photographing region 52 is the ROI 138.
If the position is not included or is not included (NO in step 120), the ROI on the weighted image 131 is set again (step 117), and the above procedure is repeated.

As described above, in this embodiment, the multi-slice images are weighted and added to create a weighted addition image,
Set two ROIs on the created weighted addition image,
The cross section determined by these ROIs is the ROI for the MPR image.
Since it is configured to display as a composite on the MPR image as
It is possible to recognize at a glance the relative positional relationship between the cross section determined by two ROIs and the imaging site, and the positioning operation of the cross section position can be performed with high accuracy and easily.

[0039]

As described above, according to the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of the present invention, as described in claim 1, a photographing section for photographing a subject and a display capable of displaying an image obtained by the photographing section. Section and a positioning section capable of positioning the imaging section of a normal scan using a multi-slice image obtained by performing a pilot scan in advance by the imaging section, and the positioning section has at least 2 from the multi-slice image. A positioning image selection unit capable of selecting one positioning image, an ROI setting unit capable of setting an ROI for each of the positioning images, and each set RO
An ROI calculation unit capable of calculating, as a ROI for an unselected image, a region whose cross section defined by I intersects an unselected image in the multi-slice image,
The ROI for the unselected image is superimposed on the unselected image and displayed on the display unit so that the imaging cross section can be positioned. Therefore, the imaging cross section can be aligned with the diseased part with high accuracy.

Further, as described in claim 2, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of the present invention comprises a photographing section for photographing the subject, and a display section capable of displaying an image obtained by the photographing section.
The imaging unit includes a positioning unit capable of positioning an imaging section of a normal scan using a multi-slice image obtained by performing a pilot scan in advance,
The positioning unit uses a positioning image selection unit capable of selecting a positioning image from the multi-slice image, a weighting addition processing unit capable of creating a weighted addition image using the positioning image, and the multi-slice image. MPR processing unit capable of creating an MPR image by means of the above, an ROI setting unit capable of setting at least two ROIs in the weighted image, and an MP corresponding to a cross section determined by each set ROI.
An ROI calculation unit capable of calculating an area on the R image as a ROI for the MPR image, and the ROI for the MPR image is displayed on the display unit by being superimposed on the MPR image, thereby enabling positioning of the imaging cross section. Since it is configured, the imaging cross section can be aligned with the diseased portion with high accuracy.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1A is an overall block diagram of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of this embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a detailed block diagram of a positioning unit.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure for positioning an imaging section using the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a detailed block diagram of a positioning unit according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure for positioning an imaging section using the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of the embodiment of FIG.

6A and 6B are views for explaining the operation of the embodiment of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Imaging unit 2 Monitor (display unit) 3 Positioning unit 11 Positioning image selection unit 12 ROI setting unit 13 ROI calculation unit 101 Positioning unit 102 Positioning image selection unit 103 Weighting addition processing unit 104 MPR processing unit 105 ROI setting unit 106 ROI Arithmetic section

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. Using a photographing unit for photographing a subject, a display unit capable of displaying an image obtained by the photographing unit, and a multi-slice image obtained by performing a pilot scan in advance by the photographing unit. A positioning unit capable of positioning an imaging section of a normal scan, wherein the positioning unit selects a positioning image selection unit capable of selecting at least two positioning images from the multi-slice image, and a ROI for each of the positioning images. And an ROI calculation unit capable of calculating an area where a cross section defined by each set ROI intersects an unselected unselected image in the multi-slice image as an ROI for the unselected image. And ROI for the unselected images
The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is characterized in that the imaging cross section can be positioned by displaying on the display unit by superimposing on the unselected image. 2. An imaging unit for imaging a subject, a display unit capable of displaying an image obtained by the imaging unit, and a multi-slice image obtained by performing a pilot scan in advance by the imaging unit. A positioning unit capable of positioning the imaging cross section of the normal scan is provided, and the positioning unit uses a positioning image selection unit capable of selecting a positioning image from the multi-slice image, and a weighted addition image using the positioning image. A weightable addition processing unit that can be created, an MPR processing unit that can create an MPR image using the multi-slice image, an ROI setting unit that can set at least two ROIs in the weighted image, and each ROI that has been set. An RO that can be calculated as an ROI for the MPR image, which is an area on the MPR image corresponding to the defined cross section
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising: an I arithmetic unit, wherein the ROI for the MPR image is superimposed on the MPR image and displayed on the display unit so that the imaging cross section can be positioned.