Optimization of MRI protocols and pulse sequence parameters for eigenimage filtering

The eigenimage filter generates a composite image in which a desired feature is segmented from interfering features. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the eigenimage equals its contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and is directly proportional to the dissimilarity between the desired and interfering featur...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:IEEE transactions on medical imaging 1994-03, Vol.13 (1), p.161-175
Main Authors: Soltanian-Zadeh, H., Saigal, R., Windham, J.P., Yagle, A.E., Hearshen, D.O.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Filters
Image analysis
Image generation
Image segmentation
Instruments
Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects)
Magnetic analysis
Magnetic resonance imaging
Magnetic separation
Medical sciences
Miscellaneous. Technology
Protocols
Radiodiagnosis. Nmr imagery. Nmr spectrometry
Signal to noise ratio
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Summary:The eigenimage filter generates a composite image in which a desired feature is segmented from interfering features. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the eigenimage equals its contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and is directly proportional to the dissimilarity between the desired and interfering features. Since image gray levels are analytical functions of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters, it is possible to maximize this dissimilarity by optimizing these parameters. For optimization, the authors consider four MRI pulse sequences: multiple spin-echo (MSE); spin-echo (SE); inversion recovery (IR); and gradient-echo (GE). The authors use the mathematical expressions for MRI signals along with intrinsic tissue parameters to express the objective function (normalized SNR of the eigenimage) in terms of MRI parameters. The objective function along with a set of diagnostic or instrumental constraints define a multidimensional nonlinear constrained optimization problem, which the authors solve by the fixed point approach. The optimization technique is demonstrated through its application to phantom and brain images. The authors show that the optimal pulse sequence parameters for a sequence of four MSE and one IR images almost doubles the smallest normalized SNR of the brain eigenimages, as compared to the conventional brain protocol.< >
ISSN:0278-0062
1558-254X
DOI:10.1109/42.276155