EP4616420A1 - Génération d'images radiologiques améliorées par contraste artificiel - Google Patents

Génération d'images radiologiques améliorées par contraste artificiel

Info

Publication number
EP4616420A1
EP4616420A1 EP23805012.4A EP23805012A EP4616420A1 EP 4616420 A1 EP4616420 A1 EP 4616420A1 EP 23805012 A EP23805012 A EP 23805012A EP 4616420 A1 EP4616420 A1 EP 4616420A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
representation
gadolinium
contrast agent
triyl
examination
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP23805012.4A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Gesine KNOBLOCH
Christian LIENERTH
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Bayer AG
Original Assignee
Bayer AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bayer AG filed Critical Bayer AG
Publication of EP4616420A1 publication Critical patent/EP4616420A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
    • G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
    • G16H30/00—ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of medical images
    • G16H30/20—ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of medical images for handling medical images, e.g. DICOM, HL7 or PACS
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
    • G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
    • G16H30/00—ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of medical images
    • G16H30/40—ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of medical images for processing medical images, e.g. editing
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
    • G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
    • G16H50/00—ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics
    • G16H50/20—ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for computer-aided diagnosis, e.g. based on medical expert systems
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
    • G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
    • G16H50/00—ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics
    • G16H50/70—ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for mining of medical data, e.g. analysing previous cases of other patients

Definitions

  • WO2019/074938A1 discloses a method for reducing the amount of contrast agent when generating radiological images using an artificial neural network.
  • a training data set is generated in a first step.
  • the training data set comprises, for a large number of persons, for each person i) a native radiological image (zero-contrast image), ii) a radiological image after the application of a small amount of contrast agent (low-contrast image), and iii) a radiological image after the application of a standard amount of contrast agent (full-contrast image).
  • an artificial neural network is trained to predict an artificial radiological image for each person in the training data set based on the native image and the image after application of a small amount of contrast agent, which shows an image area after application of the standard amount of contrast agent.
  • the measured radiological image after application of a standard amount of contrast agent serves as a reference (ground truth) during training.
  • the trained artificial neural network can be used to predict an artificial radiological image for a new person based on a native image and a radiological image after application of a small amount of contrast agent, which shows the imaged area as it would look if a standard amount of contrast agent had been applied.
  • the method disclosed in WO2019/074938A1 has disadvantages. Training data is required to train the artificial neural network.
  • the artificial neural network disclosed in WO2019/074938A1 is trained to predict a radiological image after the application of a standard amount of contrast agent.
  • the artificial neural network is not configured and not trained to predict a radiological image after the application of a smaller or larger amount of contrast agent than the standard amount.
  • the method described in WO2019/074938A1 can in principle be trained to predict a radiological image after the application of an amount other than the standard amount of contrast agent. However, this requires additional training data and further training. It would be desirable to be able to generate radiological images with variable contrast enhancement without having to generate training data and train an artificial neural network for each individual contrast enhancement.
  • a first subject matter of the present disclosure is thus a computer-implemented method for generating a contrast-enhanced radiological image, comprising the steps of: - receiving a first representation of an examination region of an examination object, wherein the first representation represents the examination region without contrast agent or after application of a first amount of contrast agent, - receiving a second representation, wherein the second representation represents the examination region of the examination object after application of a second amount of contrast agent, wherein the second amount is greater than the first amount, - generating a third representation based on the first representation and the second representation, wherein generating the third representation comprises subtracting the first representation from the second representation, - generating a fourth representation, wherein generating the fourth representation comprises adding the third representation to the first representation D times, wherein D is a positive or negative real number, - outputting and/or storing the fourth representation and/or transmitting the fourth representation to a separate computer system.
  • a further subject matter of the present disclosure is a computer system comprising: a processor; and a memory that stores an application program that is configured to perform an operation when executed by the processor, the operation comprising: - receiving a first representation of an examination region of an examination object, the first representation representing the examination region without contrast agent or after application of a first amount of contrast agent, - receiving a second representation, the second representation representing the examination region of the examination object after application of a second amount of contrast agent, the second amount being greater than the first amount, - generating a third representation based on the first representation and the second representation, the generating of the third representation comprising subtracting the first representation from the second representation, - generating a fourth representation, the generating of the fourth representation comprising adding the third representation to the first representation D times, D being a positive or negative real number, - outputting and/or storing the fourth representation and/or transmitting the fourth representation to a separate computer system.
  • Another subject of the present disclosure is a computer program that can be loaded into a working memory of a computer system and causes the computer system to carry out the following steps: - Receiving a first representation of an examination region of an examination object, wherein the first representation represents the examination region without contrast agent or after application of a first amount of contrast agent, - Receiving a second representation, wherein the second representation represents the examination region of the examination object after application of a second amount of contrast agent, wherein the second amount is greater than the first amount, - Generating a third representation based on the first representation and the second representation, wherein generating the third representation comprises subtracting the first representation from the second representation, - Generating a fourth representation, wherein generating the fourth representation comprises adding the third representation to the first representation D times, wherein D is a positive or negative real number, - Outputting and/or storing the fourth representation and/or transmitting the fourth representation to a separate computer system.
  • a further subject matter of the present disclosure is a use of a contrast agent in a radiological examination comprising: - receiving or generating a first representation of an examination region of an examination object, wherein the first representation represents the examination region without the contrast agent or after application of a first amount of the contrast agent, - receiving or generating a second representation, wherein the second representation represents the examination region of the examination object after application of a second amount of the contrast agent, wherein the second amount is greater than the first amount, - generating a third representation based on the first representation and the second representation, wherein generating the third representation comprises subtracting the first representation from the second representation, - generating a fourth representation, wherein generating the fourth representation comprises adding the third representation to the first representation D times, wherein D is a positive or negative real number, - outputting and/or storing the fourth representation and/or transmitting the fourth representation to a separate computer system.
  • a further subject matter of the present disclosure is a contrast agent for use in a radiological examination method comprising: - receiving or generating a first representation of an examination region of an examination object, wherein the first representation represents the examination region without the contrast agent or after application of a first amount of the contrast agent, - receiving or generating a second representation, wherein the second representation represents the examination region of the examination object after application of a second amount of the contrast agent, wherein the second amount is greater than the first amount, - generating a third representation based on the first representation and the second representation, wherein generating the third representation comprises subtracting the first representation from the second representation, - generating a fourth representation, wherein generating the fourth representation comprises adding the third representation to the first representation D times, where D is a positive or negative real number, - outputting and/or storing the fourth representation and/or transmitting the fourth representation to a separate computer system.
  • a further subject of the present disclosure is a kit comprising a computer program product and a contrast agent
  • the computer program product comprises a computer program that can be loaded into a working memory of a computer system and causes the computer system to carry out the following steps: - receiving a first representation of an examination area of an examination object, wherein the first representation represents the examination area without the contrast agent or after application of a first amount of the contrast agent, - receiving a second representation, wherein the second representation represents the examination area of the examination object after application of a second amount of the contrast agent, wherein the second amount is greater than the first amount, - generating a third representation based on the first representation and the second representation, wherein generating the third representation comprises subtracting the first representation from the second representation, - generating a fourth representation, wherein generating the fourth representation comprises adding the third representation to the first representation D times, wherein D is a positive or negative real number, - outputting and/or storing the fourth representation and/or transmitting the fourth representation to a separate computer system.
  • the above-mentioned sequences therefore represent preferred embodiments.
  • the present disclosure describes means by which one or more artificial radiological images are generated based on at least two representations that represent an examination area of an examination object after adding/applying/using different amounts of contrast agent, in which the contrast between areas with contrast agent and areas without contrast agent can be varied.
  • the "examination object” is usually a living being, preferably a mammal, very particularly preferably a human.
  • the “examination area” is a part of the examination object, for example an organ or a part of an organ or several organs or another part of the examination object.
  • the examination area can be, for example, a liver, a kidney, a heart, a lung, a brain, a stomach, a bladder, a prostate gland, an intestine or a part thereof or another part of the body of a mammal (eg a human).
  • the examination area comprises a liver or a part of a liver or the examination area is a liver or a part of a liver of a mammal, preferably a human.
  • the examination area comprises a brain or a part of a brain or the examination area is a brain or a part of a brain of a mammal, preferably a human.
  • the examination area comprises a heart or a part of a heart or the examination area is a heart or a part of a heart of a mammal, preferably a human.
  • the examination area comprises a thorax or a part of a thorax or the examination area is a thorax or a part of a thorax of a mammal, preferably a human.
  • the examination area comprises a stomach or part of a stomach, or the examination area is a stomach or part of a stomach of a mammal, preferably a human.
  • the examination area comprises a pancreas or part of a pancreas, or the examination area is a pancreas or part of a pancreas of a mammal, preferably a human.
  • the examination area comprises a kidney or part of a kidney, or the examination area is a kidney or part of a kidney of a mammal, preferably a human.
  • the examination area comprises one or both lungs or part of a lung of a mammal, preferably a human.
  • the examination area comprises a breast or part of a breast, or the examination area is a breast or part of a breast of a female mammal, preferably a female human.
  • the examination area comprises a prostate or part of a prostate, or the examination area is a prostate or part of a prostate of a male mammal, preferably a male human.
  • the examination area also called field of view (FOV) is a volume that is shown in radiological images.
  • the examination area is typically determined by a radiologist, for example on a localizer.
  • the examination area can alternatively or additionally be determined automatically, for example on the basis of a selected protocol.
  • the examination area is subjected to a radiological examination.
  • “Radiology” is the branch of medicine that deals with the application of electromagnetic radiation and (including ultrasound diagnostics, for example) mechanical waves for diagnostic, therapeutic and/or scientific purposes.
  • radiological examination is a magnetic resonance imaging examination.
  • the radiological examination is a computed tomography examination.
  • the radiological examination is an ultrasound examination.
  • contrast agents are often used to enhance the contrast.
  • Contra agents are substances or mixtures of substances that improve the visualization of structures and functions of the body in radiological examinations.
  • computed tomography iodine-containing solutions are usually used as contrast agents.
  • MRI magnetic resonance imaging
  • superparamagnetic substances eg iron oxide nanoparticles, superparamagnetic iron-platinum particles (SIPPs)
  • paramagnetic substances eg gadolinium chelates, manganese chelates
  • liquids containing gas-filled microbubbles are usually administered intravenously. Examples of contrast agents can be found in the literature (see e.g.
  • ASL Jascinth et al. Contrast Agents in computed tomography: A Review, Journal of Applied Dental and Medical Sciences, 2016, Vol. 2, Issue 2, 143 – 149; H. Lusic et al.: X-ray-Computed Tomography Contrast Agents, Chem. Rev. 2013, 113, 3, 1641-1666; https://www.radiology.wisc.edu/wp- content/uploads/2017/10/contrast-agents-tutorial.pdf, MR Nough et al.: Radiographic and magnetic resonances contrast agents: Essentials and tips for safe practices, World J Radiol.
  • MR contrast agents exert their effect by changing the relaxation times of the structures that absorb contrast agents.
  • Two groups of substances can be distinguished: para- and superparamagnetic substances. Both groups of substances have unpaired electrons that induce a magnetic field around the individual atoms or molecules.
  • Superparamagnetic contrast agents lead to a predominant T2 shortening, while paramagnetic contrast agents essentially lead to a T1 shortening.
  • the effect of these contrast agents is indirect, since the contrast agent itself does not emit a signal, but only influences the signal intensity in its surroundings.
  • An example of a superparamagnetic contrast agent is iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIO).
  • paramagnetic contrast agents examples include gadolinium chelates such as gadopentetate dimeglumine (trade name: Magnevist ® etc.), gadoteric acid (Dotarem ® , Dotagita ® , Cyclolux ® ), Gadodiamide (Omniscan ® ), gadoteridol (ProHance ® ), gadobutrol (Gadovist ® ) and gadoxetic acid (Primovist ® /Eovist ® ).
  • gadolinium chelates such as gadopentetate dimeglumine (trade name: Magnevist ® etc.), gadoteric acid (Dotarem ® , Dotagita ® , Cyclolux ® ), Gadodiamide (Omniscan ® ), gadoteridol (ProHance ® ), gadobutrol (Gadovist ® ) and gadoxetic acid (Primovist ®
  • the first representation represents the examination area without contrast agent or after the application of a first amount of a contrast agent.
  • the first representation represents the examination area without contrast agent.
  • the second representation represents the examination area after the application of a second amount of a contrast agent.
  • the second amount is greater than the first amount (whereby the first amount can also be zero as described).
  • the expression “after the second amount of a contrast agent” should not be understood to mean that the first amount and the second amount in the examination area are added together (unless the first amount is zero).
  • the expression “the representation represents the examination area after the application of a (first or second) amount” should therefore rather mean: “the representation represents the examination area with a (first or second) amount” or "the representation represents the examination area comprising a (first or second) amount”.
  • the first representation and the second representation preferably (but not necessarily) represent the examination area at the same time interval from the application of the contrast agent. If the first amount is zero, the time interval from the time of application of the contrast agent for the second representation can be chosen arbitrarily. Preferably, both the first amount and the second amount of the contrast agent are smaller than the standard amount.
  • the standard amount is usually the amount recommended by the manufacturer and/or distributor of the contrast agent and/or the amount approved by a regulatory authority and/or the amount listed in a package insert for the contrast agent.
  • the standard amount of Primovist ® is 0.025 mmol Gd-EOB-DTPA disodium / kg body weight.
  • the contrast agent is an agent comprising gadolinium(III) 2-[4,7,10-tris(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetrazacyclododec-1-yl]acetic acid (also referred to as gadolinium-DOTA or gadoteric acid).
  • the contrast agent is an agent comprising gadolinium(III) ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA); preferably, the contrast agent comprises the disodium salt of gadolinium(III)-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (also referred to as gadoxetic acid).
  • the contrast agent is an agent comprising gadolinium(III) 2-[3,9-bis[1-carboxylato-4-(2,3-dihydroxypropylamino)-4-oxobutyl]-3,6,9,15-tetrazabicyclo[9.3.1]pentadeca-1(15),11,13-trien-6-yl]-5-(2,3-dihydroxypropylamino)-5-oxopentanoate (also referred to as gadopiclenol, see e.g. WO2007/042504 and WO2020/030618 and/or WO2022/013454).
  • the contrast agent is an agent comprising dihydrogen[( ⁇ )-4-carboxy-5,8,11-tris(carboxymethyl)-1-phenyl-2-oxa-5,8,11-triazatridecane-13-oato(5-)]gadolinate(2-) (also referred to as gadobenic acid).
  • the contrast agent is an agent comprising tetragadolinium [4,10-bis(carboxylatomethyl)-7- ⁇ 3,6,12,15-tetraoxo-16-[4,7,10-tris-(carboxylatomethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecan-1-yl]-9,9-bis( ⁇ [( ⁇ 2-[4,7,10-tris-(carboxylatomethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecan-1-yl]propanoyl ⁇ amino)acetyl]-amino ⁇ methyl)- 4,7,11,14-tetraazahepta-decan-2-yl ⁇ -1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecan-1-yl]acetate (also referred to as gadoquatrane) (see e.g.
  • a representation in spatial space also referred to in this description as spatial space representation or spatial space representation
  • the area under investigation is usually represented by a large number of of image elements (pixels or voxels) that can be arranged in a grid, for example, where each image element represents a part of the examination area, where each image element can be assigned a color value or gray value.
  • a format widely used in radiology for storing and processing representations in spatial space is the DICOM format. DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) is an open standard for storing and exchanging information in medical image data management. Other formats for storing, processing and/or displaying representations in spatial space are also possible. It is possible to carry out a co-registration of representations in spatial space.
  • the mathematical methods usually relate to the tonal values of the individual image elements (pixels, voxels).
  • the gain factor can be selected by a user, i.e. be variable, or predefined, i.e. be specified.
  • the gain factor indicates the extent to which the contrast is increased in the fourth representation.
  • the fourth representation can be output (e.g. displayed on a screen or printed out using a printer), stored on a data storage device and/or transmitted to a separate computer system.
  • Fig. 1 shows the generation of a third representation and a fourth representation on the basis of a first representation and a second representation schematically in the form of an example.
  • Fig. 1 shows an examination area of an examination object in the form of different representations.
  • a hepatobiliary contrast agent is characterized by the fact that it is specifically absorbed by liver cells, the hepatocytes, accumulates in the functional tissue (parenchyma) and increases the contrast in healthy liver tissue.
  • An example of a hepatobiliary contrast agent is the disodium salt of gadoxetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA disodium), which is described in US Patent No. 6,039,931A and is commercially available under the brand names Primovist ® and Eovist ® .
  • Other hepatobiliary contrast agents are described in WO2022/194777, among others.
  • a third representation R3 is generated on the basis of the first representation R1 and the second representation R2. In the example shown in Fig.
  • a gray value in the representation (or another tone value in the case of a representation other than a gray value representation) assumes a defined value and/or is above or below a threshold value and/or two gray values in two different selected or defined areas are a defined distance from each other and/or are at a distance from each other that is above or below a threshold value. It is also possible to use other criteria to automatically determine the amplification factor.
  • the basis for the criteria for automatically determining the amplification factor can, for example, be the histogram of the first, second, third and/or fourth representation. In such a histogram, the number of image elements with a defined tone value or gray value can be listed.
  • Fig. 3 shows a preferred embodiment of an output of the artificial contrast-enhanced radiological image of an examination area by means of a computer system/computer program. The output is provided to a user of the computer system and/or computer program of the present disclosure. The user is shown a first representation R1 of an examination region of an examination object, a second representation R2 of the examination region of the examination object and a fourth representation R4 of the examination region of the examination object (for example on a monitor).
  • the first representation R1 represents the examination region without contrast agent or after the application of a first amount of contrast agent.
  • the second representation R2 represents the examination region after the application of a second amount of contrast agent. The second amount is larger than the first amount.
  • the fourth representation R4 represents the examination area with an increased contrast. The contrast between areas without contrast agent and areas with contrast agent is greater in the case of the fourth representation R4 than in the case of the second representation R2.
  • the fourth representation R4 was generated as described in this disclosure (see in particular the descriptions of Fig. 1). Below the displayed representations R1, R2 and R4, the user is shown the histograms of the representations in a superimposed representation. Above the displayed representations R1, R2 and R4, the user is provided with a virtual slider with which the user can make settings.
  • a "computer system” is a system for electronic data processing that processes data using programmable calculation rules. Such a system usually includes a “computer”, the unit that includes a processor for carrying out logical operations, and a peripheral.
  • “peripherals” refers to all devices that are connected to the computer and are used to control the computer and/or as input and output devices. Examples of this are monitors (screens), printers, scanners, mice, keyboards, drives, cameras, microphones, loudspeakers, etc. Internal connections and expansion cards are also considered peripherals in computer technology.
  • the computer system (1) shown in Fig. 4 comprises an input unit (10), a control and computing unit (20) and an output unit (30).
  • the control and computing unit (20) is used to control the computer system (1), coordinate the data flows between the units of the computer system (1) and carry out calculations.
  • the control and computing unit (20) is configured: - to cause the receiving unit to receive a first representation, wherein the first representation represents an examination area of an examination object without contrast agent or after the application of a first amount of contrast agent, - to cause the receiving unit to receive a second representation, wherein the second representation represents the examination area of the examination object after an application of a second amount of contrast agent, - to generate a third representation based on the first representation and the second representation, wherein generating the third representation comprises subtracting the first representation from the second representation, - to generate a fourth representation based on the first representation and the third representation, wherein generating the fourth representation comprises adding the third representation to the first representation D times, wherein D is a positive or negative real number, - to cause the output unit to output the fourth representation and/or to store it and/or to transmit it to a separate computer system.
  • Fig.5 shows an example and schematically a further embodiment of the computer system.
  • the computer system (1) comprises a processing unit (21) which is connected to a memory (22).
  • the processing unit (21) and the memory (22) form a control and computing unit as shown in Fig.4.
  • the processing unit (21) can comprise one or more processors alone or in combination with one or more memories.
  • the processing unit (21) can be conventional computer hardware which is capable of processing information such as digital images, computer programs and/or other digital information.
  • the processing unit (21) typically consists of an arrangement of electronic circuits, some of which may be implemented as an integrated circuit or as multiple interconnected integrated circuits (an integrated circuit is sometimes referred to as a "chip").
  • the processing unit (21) may be configured to execute computer programs that may be stored in a working memory of the processing unit (21) or in the memory (22) of the same or another computer system.
  • the memory (22) may be ordinary computer hardware capable of storing information such as digital images (e.g. representations of the examination area), data, computer programs and/or other digital information either temporarily and/or permanently.
  • the memory (22) may comprise volatile and/or non-volatile memory and may be permanently installed or removable. Examples of suitable memories include RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), a hard disk, flash memory, a removable computer diskette, an optical disc, magnetic tape, or a combination of the above.
  • the optical discs may include read-only compact discs (CD-ROM), read/write compact discs (CD-R/W), DVDs, Blu-ray discs, and the like.
  • the processing unit (21) may also be connected to one or more interfaces (11, 12, 31, 32, 33) to display, transmit, and/or receive information.
  • the interfaces may include one or more communication interfaces (32, 33) and/or one or more user interfaces (11, 12, 31).
  • the one or more communication interfaces may be configured to send and/or receive information, e.g., to and/or from an MRI scanner, a CT scanner, an ultrasound camera, other computer systems, networks, data storage, or the like.
  • the one or more communication interfaces may be configured to transmit and/or receive information via physical (wired) and/or wireless communication links.
  • the one or more communication interfaces may include one or more interfaces for connecting to a network, e.g. using technologies such as cellular, Wi-Fi, satellite, cable, DSL, fiber optic and/or the like.
  • the one or more communication interfaces may include one or more short-range communication interfaces configured to connect devices using short-range communication technologies such as NFC, RFID, Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE, ZigBee, infrared (e.g. IrDA) or the like.
  • the user interfaces may include a display (31).
  • a display (31) may be configured to display information to a user.
  • Suitable examples include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode display (LED), a plasma display panel (PDP) or the like.
  • the user input interface(s) (11, 12) may be wired or wireless and may be configured to receive information from a user into the computer system (1), e.g. for processing, storage and/or display.
  • Suitable examples for user input interfaces are a microphone, an image or video capture device (e.g., a camera), a keyboard or keypad, a joystick, a touch-sensitive surface (separate from or integrated with a touchscreen), or the like.
  • the user interfaces may include automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) technology for machine-readable information.
  • AIDC automatic identification and data capture
  • the user interfaces may further include one or more interfaces for communicating with peripheral devices such as printers and the like.
  • One or more computer programs (40) may be stored in the memory (22) and executed by the processing unit (21), which is thereby programmed to perform the functions described in this description.
  • the retrieval, loading, and execution of instructions of the computer program (40) may occur sequentially, such that one instruction is retrieved, loaded, and executed at a time. However, the retrieval, loading and/or execution can also take place in parallel.
  • the method (100) comprises the steps: (110) receiving or generating a first representation, wherein the first representation represents an examination region of an examination object without contrast agent or after application of a first amount of contrast agent, (120) receiving or generating a second representation, wherein the second representation represents the examination region of the examination object after application of a second amount of contrast agent, wherein the second amount is greater than the first amount, (130) generating a third representation based on the first representation and the second representation, wherein generating the third representation comprises subtracting the first representation from the second representation, (140) generating a fourth representation, wherein generating the fourth representation comprises adding the third representation to the first representation D times, wherein D is a positive or negative real number, (150) outputting and/or storing the fourth representation and/or transmitting the fourth representation of the examination region to a separate computer system.
  • a first application example relates to magnetic resonance imaging examinations for the delimitation of intraaxial tumors such as intracerebral metastases and malignant gliomas. Due to the infiltrative growth of these tumors, an exact delimitation between tumor and healthy tissue is difficult. However, determining the extent of a tumor is crucial for surgical removal. The distinction between tumors and healthy tissue is made easier by applying an extracellular contrast agent; after intravenous administration of a standard dose of 0.1 mmol/kg body weight of the extracellular MRI contrast agent gadobutrol, intraaxial tumors can be delimited much better.
  • the contrast between lesion and healthy brain tissue is further increased; the detection rate of brain metastases increases linearly with the Dose of contrast medium (see e.g. M. Hartmann et al.: Does the administration of a high dose of a paramagnetic contrast medium (Gadovist) improve the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance tomography in glioblastomas? doi: 10.1055/s-2007-1015623).
  • a single triple dose or a second follow-up dose up to a total dose of 0.3 mmol/kg body weight may be administered. This exposes the patient and the surrounding area to additional gadolinium and incurs further additional costs in the case of a second scan.
  • the present invention can be used to avoid a contrast medium dose in excess of the standard amount.
  • a first MRI image can be generated without contrast medium or with a smaller amount than the standard amount and a second MRI image with the standard amount.
  • a synthetic MRI image can be generated in which the contrast between lesions and healthy tissue can be varied within wide limits by changing the enhancement factor D. Contrasts can be achieved that can otherwise only be achieved by applying an amount of contrast agent that is higher than the standard amount.
  • Another application example concerns the reduction of the amount of MRI contrast agent in a magnetic resonance imaging examination.
  • Gadolinium-containing contrast agents such as gadobutrol are used for a variety of examinations. They are used to enhance contrast in examinations of the skull, spine, breast or other examinations.
  • gadobutrol In the central nervous system, gadobutrol highlights areas with a disrupted blood-brain barrier and/or abnormal vessels. In breast tissue, gadobutrol makes the presence and extent of a malignant breast disease visible. Gadobutrol is also used in contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography to diagnose strokes, to detect tumor blood flow and to detect focal cerebral ischemia. Due to the increasing environmental pollution, the cost burden on the health care system and the fear of acute side effects and possible long-term health risks, especially with repeated and long-term exposure, a dose reduction of gadolinium-containing contrast agents is being sought. This can be achieved by the present invention. A first MRI image can be generated without contrast agent and a second MRI image with a contrast agent quantity that is less than the standard quantity.
  • Primovist ® Compared to contrast-enhanced MRI with extracellular gadolinium-containing contrast agents, Primovist ® enables dynamic T1w multiphase imaging. However, due to the lower dose of Primovist ® and the observation of transient motion artifacts that may occur shortly after intravenous administration, the contrast enhancement of Primovist ® in the arterial phase is perceived by radiologists as lower than the contrast enhancement of extracellular MRI contrast agents. However, the assessment of contrast enhancement in the arterial phase and the vascularity of focal liver lesions is of crucial importance for the precise characterization of the lesion. With the help of the present invention, the contrast can be increased, especially in the arterial phase, without the need to administer a higher dose.
  • a first MRI image without contrast agent and a second MRI image can be generated during the arterial phase after the application of an amount of contrast agent that corresponds to the standard amount.
  • a synthetic MRI image can be generated in which the contrast in the arterial phase can be varied within wide limits by changing the amplification factor D.
  • contrasts can be achieved that can otherwise only be achieved by applying an amount of contrast agent that is higher than the standard amount.
  • Another application example concerns the use of MRI contrast agents in computer tomography examinations. MRI contrast agents usually have a lower contrast-enhancing effect in a CT examination than CT contrast agents. Nevertheless, it can be advantageous to use an MRI contrast agent in a CT examination.
  • Computed tomography has the advantage over magnetic resonance imaging that, while CT images of an examination area of an object are being created, surgical interventions in the examination area are possible to a greater extent.
  • CT Computed tomography
  • access to the patient is restricted by the magnets used in MRI. While a surgeon is performing an intervention in the examination area, he can use the CT to display the examination area and follow the procedure on a monitor.
  • a surgeon wants to perform an intervention on a patient's liver in order to perform a biopsy on a liver lesion or to remove a tumor
  • the contrast between a liver lesion or tumor and healthy liver tissue in a CT image of the liver is not as pronounced as in an MRI image after the application of a hepatobiliary contrast agent.
  • a hepatobiliary CT-specific contrast agents known and/or approved for CT.
  • the use of an MRI contrast agent, in particular a hepatobiliary MRI contrast agent in computer tomography thus combines the possibility of differentiating between healthy and diseased liver tissue and the possibility of carrying out an intervention while simultaneously visualizing the liver.
  • the comparatively low contrast enhancement achieved by the MRI contrast agent can be increased with the aid of the present invention without having to administer a dose higher than the standard dose.
  • a first CT image can be generated without MRI contrast agent and a second CT image after the application of an MRI contrast agent whose amount corresponds to the standard amount.
  • a synthetic CT image can be generated in which the contrast caused by the MRI contrast agent can be varied within wide limits by changing the amplification factor D. Contrasts can be achieved that can otherwise only be achieved by applying an amount of MRI contrast agent that is higher than the standard amount.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Primary Health Care (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Medicines Containing Antibodies Or Antigens For Use As Internal Diagnostic Agents (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention se rapporte au domaine technique de la génération d'images radiologiques améliorées par contraste artificiel.
EP23805012.4A 2022-11-12 2023-11-10 Génération d'images radiologiques améliorées par contraste artificiel Pending EP4616420A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP22207079.9A EP4369353A1 (fr) 2022-11-12 2022-11-12 Génération d'enregistrements radiologiques artificiels renforcés par un agent de contraste
PCT/EP2023/081378 WO2024100233A1 (fr) 2022-11-12 2023-11-10 Génération d'images radiologiques améliorées par contraste artificiel

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4616420A1 true EP4616420A1 (fr) 2025-09-17

Family

ID=84332408

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP22207079.9A Ceased EP4369353A1 (fr) 2022-11-12 2022-11-12 Génération d'enregistrements radiologiques artificiels renforcés par un agent de contraste
EP23805012.4A Pending EP4616420A1 (fr) 2022-11-12 2023-11-10 Génération d'images radiologiques améliorées par contraste artificiel

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP22207079.9A Ceased EP4369353A1 (fr) 2022-11-12 2022-11-12 Génération d'enregistrements radiologiques artificiels renforcés par un agent de contraste

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (2) EP4369353A1 (fr)
CN (1) CN120303741A (fr)
WO (1) WO2024100233A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4664393A1 (fr) 2024-06-10 2025-12-17 Bayer Aktiengesellschaft Génération d'enregistrements radiologiques synthétiques à contraste amélioré

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6039931A (en) 1989-06-30 2000-03-21 Schering Aktiengesellschaft Derivatized DTPA complexes, pharmaceutical agents containing these compounds, their use, and processes for their production
US8926945B2 (en) 2005-10-07 2015-01-06 Guerbet Compounds comprising a biological target recognizing part, coupled to a signal part capable of complexing gallium
EP3101012A1 (fr) 2015-06-04 2016-12-07 Bayer Pharma Aktiengesellschaft Nouveaux composés de chélate de gadolinium pour une utilisation dans l'imagerie par résonance magnétique
BR112020007105A2 (pt) 2017-10-09 2020-09-24 The Board Of Trustees Of The Leland Stanford Junior University método para treinar um dispositivo de diagnóstico por imagem para realizar uma imagem para diagnóstico médico com uma dose reduzida de agente de contraste
PT4151637T (pt) 2018-08-06 2025-03-26 Bracco Imaging Spa Agentes de contraste à base de pcta que suportam gadolínio
CN115398555A (zh) * 2020-04-03 2022-11-25 拜耳公司 生成放射线图像
KR20230041007A (ko) 2020-07-17 2023-03-23 게르브 Pcta로부터 유도된 킬레이팅 리간드의 제조 방법
EP4059925A1 (fr) 2021-03-15 2022-09-21 Bayer Aktiengesellschaft Nouvel agent de contraste pour une utilisation dans l'imagerie par résonance magnétique

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN120303741A (zh) 2025-07-11
WO2024100233A1 (fr) 2024-05-16
EP4369353A1 (fr) 2024-05-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
WO2024052156A1 (fr) Génération d'images radiologiques améliorées par contraste artificiel
EP4143779A1 (fr) Apprentissage automatique dans le domaine de la radiologie avec injecton d'agent de contraste
EP4128261A1 (fr) Génération d'images radiologiques
EP4483197B1 (fr) Prédiction d'une représentation d'une zone d'examen d'un objet d'examen dans un état d'une séquence d'états
EP4616420A1 (fr) Génération d'images radiologiques améliorées par contraste artificiel
EP4143784B1 (fr) Apprentissage automatique dans le domaine de la radiologie assistée par contraste
EP4334733B1 (fr) Caractérisation des lésions dans le foie par résonance magnétique dynamique à contraste amélioré
EP4581640B1 (fr) Production d'enregistrements radiologiques synthétiques
EP4332601B1 (fr) Génération d'enregistrements radiologiques artificiels renforcés par un agent de contraste
EP4475137B1 (fr) Génération d'enregistrements radiologiques artificiels à contraste amélioré
EP4581641B1 (fr) Production d'enregistrements radiologiques synthétiques
EP4485474B1 (fr) Génération d'enregistrements radiologiques artificiels à contraste amélioré
EP4664393A1 (fr) Génération d'enregistrements radiologiques synthétiques à contraste amélioré
WO2024100234A1 (fr) Génération d'images radiologiques améliorées par contraste artificiel
EP4375919A1 (fr) Génération d'enregistrements radiologiques synthétiques à contraste amélioré
WO2024046833A1 (fr) Génération d'images radiologiques synthétiques
WO2024083466A1 (fr) Analyse automatisée d'images radiologiques
EP4498324A1 (fr) Détection d'artéfacts dans des images synthétiques
WO2024245867A1 (fr) Identification d'artefacts dans des enregistrements médicaux synthétiques

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: UNKNOWN

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20250612

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC ME MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)