Quantitative single image-based magnetization transfer weighted imaging using an inter-subject normalization reference within the image

Abstract

Disclosed is a system and method for generating quantitative imagery of demyelination in the spinal cord. The method includes acquiring a magnetization transfer weighted (MTw) MR image of the spinal column, identifying a reference region of interest within the image corresponding to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), averaging the signal intensity corresponding to the reference region of interest, and computing a ratio, on a voxel-by-voxel basis, of the signal intensity of each voxel by the averaged reference signal intensity. In doing so, normalized MTw images are obtained such that detrimental artifacts such as motion-induced errors, coil loading, and RF coil sensitivity variations are obviated.

1 . A method for quantifying loss of macromolecular components in tissue, comprising:
 acquiring an MTw image of the tissue, the MTw image having a plurality of voxels, wherein each voxel has a corresponding MR signal;   identifying a reference region of voxels within the plurality of voxels, wherein the region of voxels corresponds to a reference material having a minimal magnetization transfer effect;   computing a reference MR signal corresponding to the region of voxels; and   computing a normalized MT weighted image, based on the ratio of the MTw image and the reference MR signal.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein computing the reference MR signal comprises computing an average of a plurality of MR signals corresponding to the region of voxels. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein acquiring the MTw image comprises employing an image acquisition scheme with an MT preparation pre-pulse. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein acquiring the MTw image comprises employing a T2* weighted pulse sequence with an MT pre-pulse. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tissue comprises spinal cord tissue. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the reference material comprises cerebrospinal fluid. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein computing the normalized MT weighted image comprises dividing each MTw signal by the reference MR signal. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 acquiring a second MR image; and   comparing the second MR image with the MT weighted image.   
   
   
       9 . An MRI system, comprising:
 a main magnet;   a gradient coil;   an RF coil; and   a computer having a computer readable medium encoded with a program for acquiring an MTw image of the tissue, the MTw image having a plurality of voxels, wherein each voxel has a corresponding MR signal; identifying a reference region of voxels within the plurality of voxels, wherein the region of voxels corresponds to a reference material having a minimal magnetization transfer effect; computing a reference MR signal corresponding to the region of voxels; and computing an MTCSF image, based on the MR image and the reference MR signal.   
   
   
       10 . The MRI system of  claim 9 , wherein the program for computing the reference MR signal comprises a program for computing an average of a plurality of MR signals corresponding to the reference region of voxels. 
   
   
       11 . The MRI system of  claim 9 , wherein the program for computing the MTCSF image comprises a program for dividing each MTw signal by the reference MR signal. 
   
   
       12 . A method for quantifying demyelination in a spinal cord, comprising:
 acquiring an MTw image of the spinal cord, the MTw image having a plurality of voxels, wherein each voxel has a corresponding MR signal;   identifying a reference region of voxels within the plurality of voxels, wherein the region of voxels corresponds to cerebrospinal fluid;   computing a reference MR signal corresponding to the region of voxels; and   computing a normalized MT weighted image, based on the ratio of the MTw image and the reference MR signal.   
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising identifying a hyperintensity signal region within a portion of the spinal cord that corresponds to white matter. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 acquiring a conventional MR image of the spinal cord; and   comparing the normalized MT weighted image with the conventional MR image.   
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein comparing the normalized MT weighted image comprises co-registering the conventional MR image and the normalized MT weighted image.