Computer simulation of magnetic resonance angiography imaging: model description and validation
With the development of medical imaging modalities and image processing algorithms, there arises a need for methods of their comprehensive quantitative evaluation. In particular, this concerns the algorithms for vessel tracking and segmentation in magnetic resonance angiography images. The problem c...
Saved in:
Published in | PloS one Vol. 9; no. 4; p. e93689 |
---|---|
Main Authors | , , , , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
United States
Public Library of Science
01.04.2014
Public Library of Science (PLoS) |
Subjects | |
Online Access | Get full text |
Cover
Loading…
Summary: | With the development of medical imaging modalities and image processing algorithms, there arises a need for methods of their comprehensive quantitative evaluation. In particular, this concerns the algorithms for vessel tracking and segmentation in magnetic resonance angiography images. The problem can be approached by using synthetic images, where true geometry of vessels is known. This paper presents a framework for computer modeling of MRA imaging and the results of its validation. A new model incorporates blood flow simulation within MR signal computation kernel. The proposed solution is unique, especially with respect to the interface between flow and image formation processes. Furthermore it utilizes the concept of particle tracing. The particles reflect the flow of fluid they are immersed in and they are assigned magnetization vectors with temporal evolution controlled by MR physics. Such an approach ensures flexibility as the designed simulator is able to reconstruct flow profiles of any type. The proposed model is validated in a series of experiments with physical and digital flow phantoms. The synthesized 3D images contain various features (including artifacts) characteristic for the time-of-flight protocol and exhibit remarkable correlation with the data acquired in a real MR scanner. The obtained results support the primary goal of the conducted research, i.e. establishing a reference technique for a quantified validation of MR angiography image processing algorithms. |
---|---|
Bibliography: | ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-3 content type line 23 ObjectType-Undefined-2 Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. Conceived and designed the experiments: AK AM. Performed the experiments: AK GD MS. Analyzed the data: AK. Contributed reagents/materials/analysis tools: AK PS AM. Wrote the paper: AK. Designed the softwate tools used in the study: AK PS. Arranged experiments with the real MR scanner: MS. Performed flow simulation in the COMSOL software: AK GD. Designed the experiment with the physical phantoms: AM. Overall research coordination and management: AK. |
ISSN: | 1932-6203 1932-6203 |
DOI: | 10.1371/journal.pone.0093689 |