PURPOSE To minimize feature loss in T1- and T2-weighted MRI by merging multiple MR images acquired at different TR and TE to generate an image with increased dynamic range. MATERIALS AND METHODS High Dynamic Range (HDR) processing techniques from the field of photography were applied to a series of acquired MR images. Specifically, a method to parameterize the algorithm for MRI data was devel...

Background Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) is defined as an excessive collapse of the intrathoracic trachea. Bronchoscopy is the gold standard to diagnose TBM, but bronchoscopy has major disadvantages, such as general anesthesia. Cine-CT is a non-invasive alternative to diagnose TBM, but its use in children is restricted by ionizing radiation. Our aim was to evaluate the feasibility of spirometerco...

We show how dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) data can constrain a compartmental model for analyzing dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) data. We first develop the theory that enables the use of DCE-MRI data to separate whole tissue time activity curves (TACs) available from dynamic PET data into individual TACs associated with the blood space, the extravascu...

Recently, high resolution 3 Tesla (T) Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) of the prostate has emerged as a promising modality for detecting prostate cancer (CaP). Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) schemes for DCE-MRI data have thus far been primarily developed for breast cancer and typically involve model fitting of dynamic intensity changes as a function of contrast agent uptake by the lesion...

OBJECTIVE In contrast to conventional breast imaging techniques, one major diagnostic benefit of breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the simultaneous acquisition of morphologic and dynamic enhancement characteristics, which are based on angiogenesis and therefore provide insights into tumor pathophysiology. The aim of this investigation was to intraindividually compare 2 macrocyclic MRI ...

Magnetic resonance imaging at microtesla fields is a promising imaging method that combines the pre-polarization technique and broadband signal reception by superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) sensors to enable in vivo MRI at microtesla-range magnetic fields similar in strength to the Earth magnetic field. Despite significant advances in recent years, the potential of microtesla...

The analysis of breast tissues was related to the origins of medical use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) since Damadian’s experiments during the Seventies of the last century [1]. However, clinical breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies using standard T1-, proton density-, and T2weighted sequences were disappointing. A dramatic change was obtained in 1986, when S.H. Heywang firstly...

Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI has been proven to be a valuable technique in cancer imaging. The poorly formed and leaky vessels formed during angiogenesis to supply tumors facilitate an increased uptake of intravenously administered contrast agents in comparison to normal vasculature. The use of mathematical modeling techniques on the change in tumor signal intensity as a function of time provi...

List of Papers This thesis is based on the following papers, which are referred to in the text by their Roman numerals. Abbreviations ADC Apparent diffusion coefficient AIF Arterial input function ASL Arterial spin labeling CBF Cerebral blood flow CBV Cerebral blood volume CPB Cardio pulmonary bypass DSC-MRI Dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI MRI Magnetic resonance imaging MRS Magnetic resonan...