WO2006134430A2 - Apparatus for determining myocardium martial accumulation by analysing magnetic resonance images - Google Patents

Apparatus for determining myocardium martial accumulation by analysing magnetic resonance images Download PDF

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WO2006134430A2
WO2006134430A2 PCT/IB2006/000880 IB2006000880W WO2006134430A2 WO 2006134430 A2 WO2006134430 A2 WO 2006134430A2 IB 2006000880 W IB2006000880 W IB 2006000880W WO 2006134430 A2 WO2006134430 A2 WO 2006134430A2
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image
images
succession
analysis
iron content
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WO2006134430A3 (en
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Luigi Landini
Vicenzo Positano
Alessia Pepe
Filomena Maria Santarelli
Massimo Lombardi
Antonio Benassi
Antonio L'abbate
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Cnr Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/05—Detecting, measuring or recording for diagnosis by means of electric currents or magnetic fields; Measuring using microwaves or radio waves 
    • A61B5/055—Detecting, measuring or recording for diagnosis by means of electric currents or magnetic fields; Measuring using microwaves or radio waves  involving electronic [EMR] or nuclear [NMR] magnetic resonance, e.g. magnetic resonance imaging
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N24/00—Investigating or analyzing materials by the use of nuclear magnetic resonance, electron paramagnetic resonance or other spin effects
    • G01N24/08—Investigating or analyzing materials by the use of nuclear magnetic resonance, electron paramagnetic resonance or other spin effects by using nuclear magnetic resonance
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R33/00—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables
    • G01R33/20—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables involving magnetic resonance
    • G01R33/44—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables involving magnetic resonance using nuclear magnetic resonance [NMR]
    • G01R33/48—NMR imaging systems
    • G01R33/50—NMR imaging systems based on the determination of relaxation times, e.g. T1 measurement by IR sequences; T2 measurement by multiple-echo sequences
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R33/00—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables
    • G01R33/20—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables involving magnetic resonance
    • G01R33/44—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables involving magnetic resonance using nuclear magnetic resonance [NMR]
    • G01R33/48—NMR imaging systems
    • G01R33/54—Signal processing systems, e.g. using pulse sequences ; Generation or control of pulse sequences; Operator console
    • G01R33/56—Image enhancement or correction, e.g. subtraction or averaging techniques, e.g. improvement of signal-to-noise ratio and resolution
    • G01R33/5608—Data processing and visualization specially adapted for MR, e.g. for feature analysis and pattern recognition on the basis of measured MR data, segmentation of measured MR data, edge contour detection on the basis of measured MR data, for enhancing measured MR data in terms of signal-to-noise ratio by means of noise filtering or apodization, for enhancing measured MR data in terms of resolution by means for deblurring, windowing, zero filling, or generation of gray-scaled images, colour-coded images or images displaying vectors instead of pixels
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R33/00—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables
    • G01R33/20—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables involving magnetic resonance
    • G01R33/44—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables involving magnetic resonance using nuclear magnetic resonance [NMR]
    • G01R33/48—NMR imaging systems
    • G01R33/54—Signal processing systems, e.g. using pulse sequences ; Generation or control of pulse sequences; Operator console
    • G01R33/56—Image enhancement or correction, e.g. subtraction or averaging techniques, e.g. improvement of signal-to-noise ratio and resolution
    • G01R33/565—Correction of image distortions, e.g. due to magnetic field inhomogeneities
    • G01R33/56509—Correction of image distortions, e.g. due to magnetic field inhomogeneities due to motion, displacement or flow, e.g. gradient moment nulling

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus for determining the concentration and the distribution of iron and its possible accumulation (so called martial accumulation ) in tissues and in organs of a patient using a quantification process that uses image acquisition techniques by magnetic resonance.
  • thalassemia is a hereditary disease characterized by a defect in the synthesis of hemoglobin, a protein contained in red blood cells, which has the task of transporting oxygen to the body cells and of removing carbon dioxide.
  • hemoglobin a protein contained in red blood cells, which has the task of transporting oxygen to the body cells and of removing carbon dioxide.
  • the hemoglobin molecule comprises a head, called heme, and proteic chains
  • thalassemic syndromes in particular alpha- thalassemia and beta-thalassemia.
  • These proteic chains are controlled by two genes. Two main types exist of thalassemia classified according to the number of defective genes present in an individual. If only one defective gene is present, the individual is called a healthy carrier and the disorder is called beta- thalassemia minor. If, instead, the individual has both defective genes, the involved disease is beta-thalassemia major or Cooley's disease. In this case, the patient is forced to periodic blood transfusion for life. Transfusions, however, involve unavoidably an excessive iron supply, whose accumulation, so called martial accumulation, in important organs as the heart, the endocrine glands and the liver, seriously affects their regular functions.
  • transfusional protocols are available aimed at maintaining normal hemoglobin levels, thus allowing to extend the survival of thalassemic patients.
  • an augmented supply of iron, or iatrogenic iron, and the extension of life expectation have raised the problem of hemosiderosis.
  • An iron surplus will deposit in a not homogeneous way in the heart, in the liver and in endocrine glands and will cause many complex disfunctions that worsen the course of thalassemia major and that, in many cases, will cause the death of the patients. Therefore, the diagnosis and the martial accumulation are of crucial importance. Different systems exist for quantification of the deposition of iron in the tissues of such organs.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging is not based on a transmission of a signal, and the signal coming out is produced by the relaxation of the nuclear spins owing to an external perturbation.
  • the contrast of the images is adjusted by the protonic density or by the relaxation time Ti, T 2 and T 2 * according to the particular succession used.
  • the MRI techniques are then a method of multi-parametric analysis that allows, with respect to traditional techniques, detailed analysis on soft tissues. All these features, as well as the use of not ionizing waves, allows MRI to be the main technique for non-invasive and in vivo analysis .
  • one exemplary apparatus for analysis of the distribution of iron content in tissues of an anatomical apparatus of a patient, in particular in the heart comprising: - magnetic resonance means adapted to measure a succession of images , of an anatomical element, each image being detected at a different echo time, contour tracking means adapted to define an area of analysis in each image,
  • the analysis is substantially repeated at three sections, i.e. in an apical, medial and basal regions respectively of the left ventricle of the myocardium.
  • the value of the functional parameter T2* is determined by an equation correlating the intensity of the brightness of the image (S) and the echo time (T E ) :
  • the above described computing means build for each portion a diagram showing the course of the intensity of the signal of the image versus echo time. More in detail, the equation above described is given in logarithmic scale in order to obtain a rectilinear course of the decay curves. From this is possible then to determine the value of T 2 * and, therefore, to calculate the qualitative distribution of the iron content in the tissues of interest.
  • the distribution of iron in the tissues of patients affected by particular pathologies, especially in thalassemic patients, is in fact dishomogeneous, differently from what happens instead in healthy individuals for which there is a homogeneous distribution of iron in the walls of the heart.
  • the method proposed by the present invention allows then to determine in a not invasive way the distribution of iron content in cardiac tissues.
  • the contour tracking means operate on the image of the anatomic region obtained by magnetic resonance defining an outer contour surface and an inner contour surface that enclose the area of analysis.
  • the area of analysis is therefore similar to a corona that is split into a determined number of .equiangular sectors.
  • the contour tracking means provide the selection of at least one reference point on an image of a succession of images.
  • the spatial coordinates of the above described point on the image are then used for identifying a corresponding position on the other images of the succession, thus providing a succession of coordinated images. This step is done to avoid that during the scanning possible accidental displacements, or rotations of the position of the anatomical apparatus of the i
  • FIG. 1 shows diagrammatically some operations made by the apparatus for analysis of the distribution of iron content in determined anatomic regions, according to the present invention
  • FIG. 3 shows three different areas of analysis related to three different sections that can be scanned for evaluating the iron content by the apparatus according to the present invention
  • - Figure 4 shows diagrammatically a possible diagram for displaying the distribution of the content of iron in the anatomic region
  • FIG. 5 shows diagrammatically a diagram (S, TE) made by the contour tracking data and the operative parameters used.
  • the present invention provides an apparatus for analysis of the distribution of iron content in determined anatomic regions, in particular in the heart, of thalassemic patients subject to many blood transfusions and for which martial accumulation has to be monitored.
  • the apparatus provides magnetic resonance means adapted to measure a succession of images 10, 20 and 30, for example at the left ventricle of the myocardium, for different echo times (TE) (figure 1) . More in detail, each succession of images 10, 20 and 30 is taken at a determined height of the heart 50. For example, scanning a plurality of sections of the myocardium of the left ventricle 51 of a patient at a plane ⁇ for different echo times (TE) a first succession of images 10 is obtained.
  • TE echo times
  • each image is defined so that the contours of the more relevant parts are determined.
  • Each image is then computed by means of known algorithms in order to determine the brightness (S) of its pixels.
  • an area of analysis 11 is then defined between a outer contour 13 and a inner contour 14.
  • the area of analysis 11 is assimilate'd to a corona (figures 2A and 3) .
  • the area 11 is then split into different portions, for example 4 equiangular sectors 15.
  • For each field 15 of the image 10 it is possible to obtain a point of coordinates (S, T E ) of the diagram of figure 5. Repeating the step for different echo times it is possible to obtain by interpolation a brightness decay curve.
  • the situation is respectively shown at the front, side, lower and septum walls.
  • the corresponding area of the map pole is coloured by a measured colour tonality, allowing a doctor to carry out a martial accumulation diagnosis, obtaining furthermore, important data on the efficiency of the therapy for reducing this accumulation.

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Abstract

An apparatus for analyzing of the distribution of iron content in determined anatomic regions, in particular in the heart, of thalassemic patients subject to many blood transfusion and for which martial accumulation should be monitored. In particular, the apparatus provides magnetic resonance means adapted to measure a succession of images (10), (20, 30), for example at the left ventricle of the myocardium, for different echo times (TE) . More in detail, each succession of images (10) , (20, 30) is taken at a determined height of the heart (50) . For example, by scanning a plurality section of the left ventricle (51) of a patient at a plane α for different echo times (TE) a first succession of images (10) is obtained. Then by of suitable contour tracking means the image is defined so that the contours of the more relevant parts is highlighted. Each image is then computed by means of known algorithms in order to determine the values of the brightness (S) of its pixels. Then on each image (10) of the series an area of analysis (11) assimilated to a corona is defined between an outer contour (13) and an inner contour (14) . The area (11) is then split into different portions, for example four equiangular sectors (15) . For each field (15) of the image (10) it is possible to obtain on a diagram ;a point of coordinates (S, TE) . Repeating the step for different echo times it is possible then to obtain by interpolation a relative brightness decay curve.

Description

TITLE
APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING MYOCARDIUM MARTIAL ACCUMULATION BY ANALYSING MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGES
DESCRIPTION Field of the invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus for determining the concentration and the distribution of iron and its possible accumulation (so called martial accumulation ) in tissues and in organs of a patient using a quantification process that uses image acquisition techniques by magnetic resonance.
Background of the invention
As well known, thalassemia is a hereditary disease characterized by a defect in the synthesis of hemoglobin, a protein contained in red blood cells, which has the task of transporting oxygen to the body cells and of removing carbon dioxide. In particular, the hemoglobin molecule comprises a head, called heme, and proteic chains
(globine) , indicated as the Greek letters alpha, beta and
! gamma. Defects to one or more of these chains causes different thalassemic syndromes, in particular alpha- thalassemia and beta-thalassemia. These proteic chains are controlled by two genes. Two main types exist of thalassemia classified according to the number of defective genes present in an individual. If only one defective gene is present, the individual is called a healthy carrier and the disorder is called beta- thalassemia minor. If, instead, the individual has both defective genes, the involved disease is beta-thalassemia major or Cooley's disease. In this case, the patient is forced to periodic blood transfusion for life. Transfusions, however, involve unavoidably an excessive iron supply, whose accumulation, so called martial accumulation, in important organs as the heart, the endocrine glands and the liver, seriously affects their regular functions.
On one hand, transfusional protocols are available aimed at maintaining normal hemoglobin levels, thus allowing to extend the survival of thalassemic patients. On the other hand, an augmented supply of iron, or iatrogenic iron, and the extension of life expectation have raised the problem of hemosiderosis. An iron surplus will deposit in a not homogeneous way in the heart, in the liver and in endocrine glands and will cause many complex disfunctions that worsen the course of thalassemia major and that, in many cases, will cause the death of the patients. Therefore, the diagnosis and the martial accumulation are of crucial importance. Different systems exist for quantification of the deposition of iron in the tissues of such organs. In particular, data relative to the amount of the total iron reserve are obtainable with indirect measuring methods, such as serum iron measuring, transferrin saturation measuring, serum ferritin measuring. None of these indexes provides in any case precise and conclusive data and bring to an approximate estimation of the martial accumulation. Another largely used method for quantification of the martial deposition is shown by the tissue biopsy. However, it cannot be routine used on thalassemic patients since it is highly invasive .
Furthermore some attempts have been made for measuring the iron amount through the examination of images made by means of magnetic resonance. Differently from other imaging techniques (such as roentgen techniques) , MRI
(Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is not based on a transmission of a signal, and the signal coming out is produced by the relaxation of the nuclear spins owing to an external perturbation. The contrast of the images is adjusted by the protonic density or by the relaxation time Ti, T2 and T2 * according to the particular succession used. The MRI techniques are then a method of multi-parametric analysis that allows, with respect to traditional techniques, detailed analysis on soft tissues. All these features, as well as the use of not ionizing waves, allows MRI to be the main technique for non-invasive and in vivo analysis .
However, for evaluating the iron content in cardiac MRI tissues has not found wide diffusion mainly owing to artifacts from movement, problems of sensitivity of the apparatus and not reproducibility of the tests.
Summary of the invention It is then a feature of the present invention to provide an apparatus for analysis of the distribution of iron in determined anatomic areas of a patient, in particular in the heart, starting from sequences of magnetic resonance images.
It is also a feature of the present invention to provide an apparatus for analysis of the distribution of iron in determined anatomic areas of a patient, in particular in the heart, which is not invasive at all for a patient and then is particularly indicated for a routine monitoring of the martial accumulation. It is a further feature of the present invention to provide an apparatus for analysis of the distribution of iron in determined anatomic areas of a patient, in particular in the heart, which can compensate possible accidental movements of said anatomic areas when scanning, in order to obtain a realistic evaluation.
These and other features are accomplished with one exemplary apparatus for analysis of the distribution of iron content in tissues of an anatomical apparatus of a patient, in particular in the heart, comprising: - magnetic resonance means adapted to measure a succession of images, of an anatomical element, each image being detected at a different echo time, contour tracking means adapted to define an area of analysis in each image,
- means for dividing the above described area of analysis into a plurality of portions,
- means for measuring an average intensity value of the brightness of the image in each portion by means of known algorithms,
- means for computing a functional parameter of the iron content (T2*) , known as spin-spin relaxation time, said parameter comprising contributes due to both the molecular interactions and to the unhomogeneity of the, magnetic field, said computing means calculating said parameter on the basis of the course of said intensity responsive to the change of echo time, i
- means for displaying the distribution of iron content in tissues of the anatomical apparatus by mapping said functional parameter at said portions.
By using the apparatus above described at different sections of the anatomical apparatus it is possible to obtain a qualitative distribution of the iron content in all the organ. In particular, the analysis is substantially repeated at three sections, i.e. in an apical, medial and basal regions respectively of the left ventricle of the myocardium.
Preferably, the value of the functional parameter T2* is determined by an equation correlating the intensity of the brightness of the image (S) and the echo time (TE) :
Jk S=SoeT|+C
where S0, S, and TE are known values. Advantageously, the above described computing means build for each portion a diagram showing the course of the intensity of the signal of the image versus echo time. More in detail, the equation above described is given in logarithmic scale in order to obtain a rectilinear course of the decay curves. From this is possible then to determine the value of T2* and, therefore, to calculate the qualitative distribution of the iron content in the tissues of interest. The distribution of iron in the tissues of patients affected by particular pathologies, especially in thalassemic patients, is in fact dishomogeneous, differently from what happens instead in healthy individuals for which there is a homogeneous distribution of iron in the walls of the heart. The method proposed by the present invention allows then to determine in a not invasive way the distribution of iron content in cardiac tissues. ,
Advantageously, the contour tracking means operate on the image of the anatomic region obtained by magnetic resonance defining an outer contour surface and an inner contour surface that enclose the area of analysis. In case of cross sections of the left ventricle the area of analysis is therefore similar to a corona that is split into a determined number of .equiangular sectors.
In particular, the contour tracking means provide the selection of at least one reference point on an image of a succession of images. The spatial coordinates of the above described point on the image are then used for identifying a corresponding position on the other images of the succession, thus providing a succession of coordinated images. This step is done to avoid that during the scanning possible accidental displacements, or rotations of the position of the anatomical apparatus of the i
_ c _ patient, in particular in the heart, can cause an unrealistic distribution of the iron content in tissues of the anatomic region.
Brief description of the drawings The invention will be made clearer with the following description of an exemplary embodiment thereof, exemplifying but not limitative, with reference to the attached drawings wherein:
- Figure 1 shows diagrammatically some operations made by the apparatus for analysis of the distribution of iron content in determined anatomic regions, according to the present invention;
- Figures from 2A to the 2C show diagrammatically the scanning step at three different .sections of the myocardium of a patient;
- Figure 3 shows three different areas of analysis related to three different sections that can be scanned for evaluating the iron content by the apparatus according to the present invention; - Figure 4 shows diagrammatically a possible diagram for displaying the distribution of the content of iron in the anatomic region; ■
- Figure 5 shows diagrammatically a diagram (S, TE) made by the contour tracking data and the operative parameters used.
Description of a preferred exemplary embodiment The present invention provides an apparatus for analysis of the distribution of iron content in determined anatomic regions, in particular in the heart, of thalassemic patients subject to many blood transfusions and for which martial accumulation has to be monitored. In particular, the apparatus provides magnetic resonance means adapted to measure a succession of images 10, 20 and 30, for example at the left ventricle of the myocardium, for different echo times (TE) (figure 1) . More in detail, each succession of images 10, 20 and 30 is taken at a determined height of the heart 50. For example, scanning a plurality of sections of the myocardium of the left ventricle 51 of a patient at a plane α for different echo times (TE) a first succession of images 10 is obtained. Then by means of suitable contour tracking means each image is defined so that the contours of the more relevant parts are determined. Each image is then computed by means of known algorithms in order to determine the brightness (S) of its pixels. On each image 10 of the series, then, an area of analysis 11 is then defined between a outer contour 13 and a inner contour 14. In the case examined, i.e. the left ventricle of the myocardium, the area of analysis 11 is assimilate'd to a corona (figures 2A and 3) . The area 11 is then split into different portions, for example 4 equiangular sectors 15. For each field 15 of the image 10 it is possible to obtain a point of coordinates (S, TE) of the diagram of figure 5. Repeating the step for different echo times it is possible to obtain by interpolation a brightness decay curve.
To the decay curve an exponential expression is then associated of the type:
Ji.
S=Soeτ|+C that links the echo time (TE) to the brightness (S) . The expression is then plotted in logarithmic scale in order to obtain a linear equation of brightness versus echo time: log(S) = (-l/T2*) -TE-I-K from which it is possible to determine the values of a functional parameter of the iron content (T2*), known as spin-spin relaxation time, said parameter comprising contributes due to both the molecular interactions and to the unhomogeneity of the magnetic field. Owing to a known correlation, in fact, according to the range of values to which the parameter T2* belongs, it is possible to calculate a qualitative measure of the iron concentration in the corresponding portion 15 of the tissue of the anatomic region. The operations above described are carried out identifying; a reference point 12 on the different images 10 of the succession. In this way it is possible to coordinate spatially the different images in order to compensate possible spatial shifting due to movements or rotations of the anatomic region.
Repeating then the operations above described for different sections of the left ventricle 51, for example at the planes β and Y, it is possible to determine the sequences of images 20 and 30, relative to the above described sections, in particular of the medial and apical zones of the myocardium. This way, a qualitative distribution of the iron| content is obtained for all the left ventricle 51 of the patient that can be displayed by means of particular circular images called "bull's eye", or "polar charts". These images allow to highlight, on a single image, the data concerning all the regions of the left ventricle 51 (figure 4) . Looking at the image, the central portion corresponds to the apical region and the outer portion corresponds to the base of the ventricle. In the four north, east, south and west areas the situation is respectively shown at the front, side, lower and septum walls. According to the local iron content the corresponding area of the map pole is coloured by a measured colour tonality, allowing a doctor to carry out a martial accumulation diagnosis, obtaining furthermore, important data on the efficiency of the therapy for reducing this accumulation.
The foregoing description of a specific embodiment will so fully reveal the invention according to the conceptual point of view, so that others, by applying current knowledge, will be able to modify and/or adapt for various applications such an embodiment without further i research and without parting from the invention, and it is therefore to be understood that such adaptations and modifications will have to be considered as equivalent to the specific embodiment. The means and the materials to realise the different functions described herein could have a different nature without, for this reason, departing from the field of the invention. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description- and not of limitation.

Claims

1. Apparatus for analysis of the distribution of iron content in tissues of an anatomical apparatus of a patient, in particular in the heart, characterised in that it comprises:
- magnetic resonance means adapted to measure a succession of images' of an anatomical element, each image being detected at a different echo time,
- contour tracking means adapted to define an area of analysis at each said image,
- means for dividing said area of analysis into a plurality of portions,
- means for measuring an average intensity value of the brightness of each said image in each portion by means of known algorithms,
- means for computing a functional parameter of the iron content (T2*), known as spin-spin relaxation time, said parameter comprising contributes due to both the molecular interactions and to the unhomogeneity of the magnetic field, said computing means calculating said parameter on the basis of the course of said intensity responsive to the change of echo time,
- means for displaying the distribution of iron content in tissues of the anatomical apparatus by mapping said functional parameter at said portions.
2. Apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said value of said functional parameter T2* is determined by a correlation between the intensity of the brightness of the image (S) and the echo time (TE) :
Figure imgf000012_0001
where S0, S , and TE are known values .
3. Apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said computing means build for each said portion a diagram showing the course of the intensity of the signal of the image versus echo time.
4. Apparatus, according to claim 3, wherein said equation is given in logarithmic scale in order to obtain a rectilinear course of the curve decay from which said functional parameter ,T2* is determined and, therefore, i a qualitative distribution of the iron content in tissues of the anatomic region.
5. Apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said contour tracking means operate on each said image of the anatomic region obtained by magnetic resonance defining a outer contour surface and a inner contour surface that define the area of analysis.
6. Apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said contour tracking means detect at least one reference point on an image of a succession of images, the spatial coordinates of said point on said image being used for identifyng a corresponding position on the other images of the succession thus providing a succession of coordinated images.
PCT/IB2006/000880 2005-05-12 2006-04-13 Apparatus for determining myocardium martial accumulation by analysing magnetic resonance images WO2006134430A2 (en)

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