Computer Apparatus For Analyzing Multiparametric MRI Maps For Pathologies and Generating Prescriptions

Abstract

Image processing and analysis technique includes using a computer apparatus to assess a patient's magnetic resonance images or derived multiparametric maps for pathology and then automatically generate a prescription based at least in part on that assessment. The parametric maps are derived from an MRI sequence from which multiparametric maps are derivable.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A computer apparatus to analyze a patient's multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) maps for pathology and generate a prescription comprising:
 (a) a non-transitory memory storing one or more parametric maps of a patient; the one or more maps derived from an MRI sequence from which multiparametric maps are derivable; 
 (b) a program stored in the non-transitory memory and operatively configured to analyze the one or more parametric maps for a region including a pathology; and 
 (c) a computer processor in communication with the non-transitory memory and configured to perform the program by executing computer executable instructions, wherein the program is operatively configured to automatically generate a prescription based at least in part on the analysis of the one or more parametric maps. 
 
     
     
         2 . The computer apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more parametric maps is derived at least in part from a water-fat separation sequence. 
     
     
         3 . The computer apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more parametric maps are derived from a water-fat separation sequence that uses the iterative decomposition of water and fat with echo asymmetry and least-squares estimation (“IDEAL”) technique and/or the Dixon technique. 
     
     
         4 . The computer apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more parametric maps is derived at least in part from an MRI sequence that uses the gradient and spin echo (“GRASE”) technique. 
     
     
         5 . The computer apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more parametric maps is derived from diffusion-weighted sequencing. 
     
     
         6 . The computer apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the analysis includes a search for at least one pathology selected from the list consisting of:
 a) fractures,   b) osteoporosis,   c) metastatic disease,   d) degenerative disease,   e) infarcts, and   f) combinations thereof.   
     
     
         7 . The computer apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more parametric maps include a map selected from the list consisting of:
 a) a T2 map describing transverse signal relaxation time affecting image contrast;   b) a T2* map describing signal relaxation caused by magnetic field abnormalities;   c) a T2† map describing cancellous bone-induced intravoxel dephasing;   d) a fat map; and   e) a water map.   
     
     
         8 . The computer apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein color-encoding is utilized to encode information from at least two of the MRI maps at once. 
     
     
         9 . The computer apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the prescription directs further imaging. 
     
     
         10 . The computer apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the prescription directs therapy. 
     
     
         11 . The computer apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the prescription directs a notification. 
     
     
         12 . The computer apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the parametric map is derived at least in part from MRI signal changes reflecting administration of a contrast agent to the patient. 
     
     
         13 . A computer system configured to analyze a patient's magnetic resonance images for pathology and generate a prescription, the computer system comprising:
 one or more processors; and   one or more hardware storage devices having stored thereon computer-executable instructions which are executable by the one or more processors to cause the computer system to at least:
 (a) receive magnetic resonance images of a patient; 
 (b) derive one or more MRI parametric maps from the magnetic resonance images; 
 (c) analyze one or more derived parametric maps for a region including a pathology; and 
 (d) automatically generate a prescription based at least in part on the analysis of the one or more derived parametric maps. 
   
     
     
         14 . The computer system of  claim 13 , wherein at least a portion of the magnetic resonance images received are contrast enhanced images associated with the administration of a contrast agent and the parametric map is derived at least in part based on MRI signal changes reflecting administration of the contrast agent. 
     
     
         15 . The computer system of  claim 13 , wherein the one or more parametric maps is derived at least in part from a water-fat separation sequence that uses the IDEAL technique or the Dixon technique. 
     
     
         16 . The computer system of  claim 13 , wherein the one or more parametric maps is derived at least in part from an MRI sequence that uses the gradient and spin echo (“GRASE”) technique. 
     
     
         17 . The computer system of  claim 13 , wherein the one or more parametric maps is derived from diffusion-weighted sequencing. 
     
     
         18 . The computer system of  claim 13 , wherein the analysis includes a search for at least one pathology selected from the list consisting of:
 a) fractures,   b) osteoporosis,   c) metastatic disease,   d) degenerative disease,   e) infarcts, and   f) combinations thereof.   
     
     
         19 . The computer system of  claim 13 , wherein the one or more parametric maps include a map selected from the list consisting of:
 a) a T2 map including transverse signal relaxation time affecting image contrast;   b) a T2* map including signal relaxation caused by magnetic field abnormalities;   c) a T2† map including cancellous bone-induced intravoxel dephasing;   d) a fat map; and   e) a water map.   
     
     
         20 . The computer system of  claim 13 , wherein color-encoding is utilized to encode information from at least two of the MRI maps at once. 
     
     
         21 . The computer system of  claim 13 , wherein the prescription directs further imaging. 
     
     
         22 . The computer system of  claim 13 , wherein the prescription directs therapy. 
     
     
         23 . The computer system of  claim 13 , wherein the prescription directs a notification. 
     
     
         24 . The computer system of  claim 13 , wherein the prescription is generated while patient is still on the MRI scan table. 
     
     
         25 . The computer system of  claim 13 , wherein the computer-executable instructions are derived at least in part utilizing machine learning.